Scotland v Tonga - Teams and Prediction

PREVIEW: Gregor Townsend insisted Friday he had no intention of stepping down as Scotland coach despite mounting criticism following last weekend’s dramatic loss to Argentina.

The long-serving Townsend was handed a contract extension in September until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but successive losses to New Zealand and the Pumas have led to renewed scrutiny of his position.

Scotland fought back from 17-0 down against the All Blacks to 17-17 only to lose 25-17 – a defeat that left them still searching for a first win over New Zealand in 120 years of Tests between the countries.

Last Sunday’s reverse against Argentina was arguably an even worse body blow to Scotland.

The Dark Blues led 21-0 heading into the final quarter only to lose 33-24, with the Pumas scoring five tries in quick succession.

Home fans booed their side off the field come fulltime at Murrayfield. It was one of the lowest points of Townsend’s more than eight-year reign as Scotland coach.

George ploughing through the Tongan wall👊

George Turner takes on Tonga once again this Sunday, earning his 50th cap🧢#AsOne pic.twitter.com/aTYWlzlm7a

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 21, 2025

Townsend, speaking Friday after naming his team to play Tonga this weekend, said he still had the resolve to carry on as Scotland boss.

“Yes, even more so,” he told reporters. “Maybe you don’t believe me, but this week it was really important I felt something different in our review about the way the players came together with the coaches.

“It’s painful. Sunday night was painful. Going through that last 20 minutes on Monday was painful, but the failures and how you respond to them make you the team you can be. I’ve been really encouraged on how that’s played through this week.”

Scotland have dropped from fifth in the world rankings at the start of the 2023 World Cup to ninth after struggling to beat major nations over the past two years.

Townsend, however, rejected suggestions that his side are mentally fragile and prone to cracking under pressure.

Pressed on whether Scotland’s inability to turn promising performances into wins was a worry, he replied: “Yes, of course it’s a concern. We feel that going into those games we genuinely had opportunities to win.

“This time last year, against South Africa [32-15 defeat], England [16-15 defeat], we scored three tries to one and had one of our best-ever performances against England. We didn’t win.

“The weekend, 21-0 up, we didn’t win. Of course, that’s really disappointing, but the level of our play and what it’s doing to the opposition gives me confidence that if we, and it’s not an if, but when we get parts of our game and our response to momentum changes better, then we’re going to get those wins.”

Townsend, asked if the criticism since Sunday was justified, added: “I don’t know. I would expect there’s been criticism, but if you get caught up in any of that, or read it, it’s going to distract you from what is important.”

Player to watch:

For Scotland: Sione Tuipulotu remains the only player to retain his starting spot following Scotland’s defeat to Argentina. As captain and midfield lynchpin, he will be crucial in organising both attack and defence. Zander Fagerson will make his first appearance in more than seven months after being selected to start Scotland’s final match of their November campaign. Hooker George Turner will win his 50th cap and would want to celebrate in style. In the backs, record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe returns on the wing after being dropped for the past two Tests.

For Tonga: The 34-year-old giant prop Ben Tameifuna leads Tonga from the front, providing leadership and strength in the scrum. Dual national Sitaleki Timani, will become the oldest debutant to play for one of the leading rugby nations should he come off the bench at Murrayfield. Fullback William Havili has the potential to be a lethal attacking threat for Tonga, combining speed and skill from the back.

Prediction: 

Rugby365: Scotland by 15 points

Teams:

Scotland: 15 Tom Jordan, 14 Kyle Rowe, 13 Ollie Smith, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (captain), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Ben White, 8 Magnus Bradbury, 7 Jamie Ritchie, 6 Andy Onyeama-Christie, 5 Max Williamson, 4 Alex Samuel, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Rory Sutherland
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Marshall Sykes, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 George Horne, 22 Stafford McDowall, 23 Kyle Steyn

Tonga: 15 William Havili, 14 Taniela Filimone, 13 Fine Inisi, 12 Solomone Kata, 11 John Tapueluelu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Lotu Inisi, 7 Siosiua Moala, 6 Semisi Paea, 5 Veikoso Poloniati, 4 Harison Mataele, 3 Ben Tameifuna (captain), 2 Siua Maile, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi
Replacements: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Fatongia Paea, 18 Phillip Kite, 19 Sitaleki Timani, 20 Fotu Lokotui, 21 Aisea Halo, 22 Tima Fainga’anuku, 23 Anzelo Tuitavuki

Date: Sunday, November 23
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 13.40 (13.40 GMT; 02.40 TOT Monday, November 24)
Expected weather: Light rain showers and a gentle breeze with a temperature around 6°C
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
Assistant referees: Evan Urruzmendi (France), Benoît Rousselet (France)
TMO: Tual Trainini (France)