Player Ratings: Scotland
OPINION: Scotland withheld Wales in Edinburgh on Saturday, registering a 35-29 win in Round Four of the Six Nations.
It was a match that appeared over by half-time, with Gregor Townsend’s side going in at the break with a 28-8 lead, but Wales fought back to come away with two bonus points.
On to France next week for Scotland, which is a daunting prospect, but they have plenty of players that are looking sharp currently.
Josh Raisey rates the Scottish players:
15. Blair Kinghorn – 9
A complete performance from the fullback and barely put a foot wrong all afternoon. Started the match with a sensational finish in the corner and added another in the second half.
14. Darcy Graham – 8
A very busy afternoon in his return to play, coming off his wing incessantly and getting his hands on the ball as much as possible.
13. Huw Jones – 8
Continued his fine Championship and his charge to wear the British and Irish Lions No.13 jersey at the end of the season.
12. Tom Jordan – 7
Complements Finn Russell in the midfield really well, posing a threat in a variety of ways. Stepped in at flyhalf in the final quarter as Scotland lost control of the game. Targeted slightly by Welsh carriers, who ran over him for two of their tries. Came close to scoring his hat-trick late on.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 7
Wales did not learn from how England struggled to handle the winger, and gave him too much space. The 106kg wide man thrived and caused havoc, creating Scotland’s second try with a strong fend.
10. Finn Russell – 8.5
Firstly, this was a vastly improved goalkicking display than the one at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. Outside of that, he had complete control of the game, passing to who he wanted, when he wanted and how he wanted to, with some sumptuously timed passes.
9. Ben White – 7
Kept proceedings ticking over nicely for Scotland, distributing crisply from the ground. May not look back on his attempted tackle on Taulupe Faletau fondly.
1. Pierre Schoeman – 7.5
Carried through the guts of the Welsh defence and made some great yardage. With an added penalty won at the breakdown, it made for a very decent afternoon.
2. Dave Cherry – 7
Not imperious at the line-out, but solid enough, and carried with plenty of bluster.
3. Zander Fagerson – 8
Strong defensive shift from the tighthead, making 13 tackles during his hour on the field. A quiet afternoon at the scrum.
4. Jonny Gray – 7.5
A very Jonny Gray-esque display, tackling anything wearing red and finishing with his side’s most tackles (13) despite not playing the full match.
5. Grant Gilchrist – 7
Industrious in an 80-minute shift, although lacked any standout moments.
6. Jamie Ritchie – 8.5
Tormented the Welsh pack at the breakdown, winning penalties and slowing down play. Looks to be playing the best rugby of his career.
7. Rory Darge – 7
Only managed 35 minutes before being forced from the field injured.
8. Jack Dempsey – 8
Relentless carrying performance from the No.8, leaving the match with the most carries (19).
Replacements
16. Ewan Ashman – 6
Pinged for a not-straight line-out within moments of coming on, but carried well elsewhere.
17. Rory Sutherland – 7
Six carries and a further two tackles in a productive 20-minute cameo.
18. Will Hurd – 6
Had a tough time at the scrum immediately after coming on.
19. Gregor Brown – 7
Showed a great work-rate in his 15-minute cameo on the field.
20. Matt Fagerson – 7.5
Helped maintain Scotland’s breakdown supremacy after coming on.
21. George Horne – 7.5
A lively cameo from the bench, with some nice snipes around the breakdown.
22. Stafford McDowall – 6
Came on when the game had become quite loose but had some strong carries in there.
23. Kyle Rowe – 7
Played a similar role to Graham after replacing him, coming off his wing and troubling the Welsh defence.
@RugbyPass
