Darcy Graham scored four tries to briefly tie for the top spot on Scotland's all-time try-scoring list, but Duhan van der Merwe reclaimed the lead with a late try in a commanding 57-17 win over Fiji at Murrayfield.
Glasgow center Sione Tuipulotu began his captaincy under Gregor Townsend, but it was Graham who stole the spotlight in his first Test appearance since the World Cup loss to Ireland in Paris 13 months ago. The 27-year-old's performance moved him level with Van der Merwe at 28 tries before the South Africa-born winger reclaimed the top spot with a try in the 72nd minute.
Kyle Rowe opened the scoring, and Huw Jones added a brace as the Scots overcame a shaky spell around halftime to dominate the Fijians ahead of their match against world champions South Africa next Sunday. Scotland applied early pressure, resulting in a fourth-minute yellow card for scrum-half Frank Lomani, penalized for a deliberate knock-on.
The hosts thought they had scored in the eighth minute when Ewan Ashman touched down, but the try was disallowed due to Pierre Schoeman's obstruction. Scotland scored a minute later through Rowe, who finished a flowing move after being fed by Adam Hastings.
Fiji's troubles continued when Apisalome Vota was yellow carded in the 13th minute for persistent infringements. Graham scored his first international try since the World Cup rout of Romania in September 2023, followed by his second just three minutes later.
Fiji's woes deepened when Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula's pass was intercepted by Jones, who sprinted clear for Scotland's fourth try. Hastings converted, giving Scotland a 26-0 lead. Fiji rallied briefly, scoring twice before halftime, but Scotland's dominance was evident as they sealed the victory with eight tries.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com