Scotland vs Fiji: Player Ratings from a Thrilling Autumn Nations Encounter
The Autumn Nations Series delivered another exciting clash as Scotland faced Fiji at Murrayfield. The home side emerged victorious, securing a 27-17 win, but Fiji, as always, provided a formidable challenge, showcasing their dazzling athleticism and offloading skills. Let's delve into the player ratings for both teams:
Scotland Player Ratings:
Starting XV:
- Stuart Hogg (Fullback): 8/10 - Hogg was a constant threat, orchestrating Scotland's attack with his trademark composure and delivering a crucial try. His kicking game was also on point.
- Darcy Graham (Wing): 7.5/10 - Graham's pace and elusive runs were a constant headache for Fiji's defense. He bagged a try and was a constant thorn in their side.
- Kyle Steyn (Wing): 6.5/10 - Steyn was solid in defense and posed a threat with his runs, but he lacked the same cutting edge as his fellow winger.
- Sione Tuipulotu (Centre): 7/10 - A dominant presence in midfield, Tuipulotu made important tackles and was a key figure in Scotland's offensive structure.
- Chris Harris (Centre): 6.5/10 - Harris offered a steady presence in the center, making key tackles and contributing to Scotland's territorial advantage.
- Sam Johnson (Fly-half): 7/10 - Johnson orchestrated Scotland's attack effectively, distributing the ball with precision and finding his outside backs.
- Ali Price (Scrum-half): 7/10 - Price was a key contributor, setting up several attacking opportunities and keeping the ball moving with his quick service.
- Matt Fagerson (No. 8): 7/10 - Fagerson was a workhorse, delivering powerful carries and crucial defensive interventions.
- Jamie Ritchie (Flanker): 7.5/10 - Ritchie led by example, tackling ferociously and putting in a tireless effort. His leadership was vital.
- Magnus Bradbury (Flanker): 7/10 - Bradbury was a force to be reckoned with, making tackles and disrupting Fiji's attack with his physical presence.
- Grant Gilchrist (Lock): 6.5/10 - Gilchrist was a solid presence in the lineout and put in a strong defensive shift.
- Jonny Gray (Lock): 7/10 - Gray was a workhorse in the lineout and a strong defender.
- Pierre Schoeman (Prop): 7/10 - Schoeman provided a solid platform at scrum time and put in a strong performance.
Replacements:
- Zander Fagerson (Prop): 7/10 - Fagerson came off the bench and provided a much-needed boost to the scrum.
- Ewan Ashman (Hooker): 6.5/10 - Ashman brought energy and disruption off the bench.
- Hamish Watson (Flanker): 7/10 - Watson added intensity to the Scottish back row with his tackles and carries.
- Rory Darge (Flanker): 6.5/10 - Darge made a strong impact with his workrate and defensive efforts.
- Cameron Redpath (Centre): 7/10 - Redpath provided a spark off the bench with his creative play and try.
- Blair Kinghorn (Fly-half): 6.5/10 - Kinghorn added experience and stability off the bench.
- Finn Russell (Fly-half): 6/10 - Russell provided a creative spark but lacked the time to make a significant impact.
Fiji Player Ratings:
Starting XV:
- Josua Tuisova (Wing): 8/10 - Tuisova was a constant threat, showcasing his explosive power and offloading skills. He was Fiji's biggest attacking threat.
- Vinaya Habosi (Wing): 7/10 - Habosi was a lively presence on the wing, creating chances and scoring a spectacular try.
- Waisea Nayacalevu (Centre): 6.5/10 - Nayacalevu was solid in defense and involved in several attacking moves.
- Kalione Nasoko (Centre): 6.5/10 - Nasoko was a steady presence in midfield, but lacked the same dynamism as his teammates.
- Simione Kuruvoli (Fly-half): 7/10 - Kuruvoli was a creative force, orchestrating Fiji's attack with his vision and kicking game.
- Frank Lomani (Scrum-half): 7/10 - Lomani was a vital part of Fiji's attacking game, setting up opportunities with his quick service and clever box kicks.
- Levani Botia (No. 8): 7/10 - Botia was a powerful force in the back row, carrying strongly and providing leadership.
- Mesulame Dolokoto (Flanker): 6.5/10 - Dolokoto put in a tireless effort, tackling ferociously and disrupting Scotland's attack.
- Viliame Mata (Flanker): 6/10 - Mata made important tackles but struggled to make the same impact as his fellow backrowers.
- Isoa Nasilasila (Lock): 6.5/10 - Nasilasila was a solid presence in the lineout and put in a strong defensive shift.
- Api Ratuniyarawa (Lock): 6/10 - Ratuniyarawa was a powerful presence in the lineout and put in a good shift.
- Eroni Mawi (Prop): 6/10 - Mawi provided a strong platform at scrum time and made a few powerful carries.
- Manasa Saulo (Hooker): 6.5/10 - Saulo provided a reliable presence at the scrum and tackled with intensity.
Replacements:
- Jone Tuisova (Prop): 6.5/10 - Tuisova provided a solid presence off the bench.
- Samuela Tawake (Hooker): 6/10 - Tawake made a few impactful tackles and scrummages.
- Semi Kunatani (Centre): 6.5/10 - Kunatani brought added power and experience to Fiji's midfield.
- Teti Tela (Fly-half): 6/10 - Tela came on for a brief stint and provided some attacking spark.
- Kitione Ratu (Centre): 6/10 - Ratu came off the bench and made a few strong tackles.
- Josua Rarawa (Wing): 6/10 - Rarawa added pace and dynamism to the Fiji attack off the bench.
This was a thrilling contest between two sides playing with a different brand of rugby. Scotland, though, ultimately demonstrated their resilience and tactical awareness to secure the victory. The performances of both teams will undoubtedly be dissected in the coming weeks, but one thing is clear: both Scotland and Fiji are exciting teams to watch.