Scotland A thump Chile in Santiago

Damien Hoyland scored a hat-trick as Scotland A marked their first outing since 2014 by cruising to a comfortable 45-5 victory over Chile in sunny Santiago on Saturday.

George Horne and Hoyland touched down twice apiece in the first half as Gregor Townsend’s side led 28-0 at the break at Estadio Santa Laura. Chile, who face a World Cup play-off against the United States next month, were more competitive in the second half but the visitors added further tries through Hoyland, Rufus McLean and Ali Price.

It was a smooth start to the Scots’ tour of South America, although the standard of opposition is due to increase significantly when the senior side face three consecutive Tests against Argentina from next weekend onwards.

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Following a cagey opening, the Scots – made up almost exclusively of Glasgow and Edinburgh players – seized the initiative after 11 minutes when Edinburgh wing Hoyland darted down the right to score in the corner after receiving a pass from debutant Ollie Smith. Ross Thompson slotted the conversion.

Five minutes later, the tourists extended their advantage after skipper Luke Crosbie barged through the Chilean defence before offloading to Horne who eased his way under the posts. Thompson added the extras.

Horne scored his second try of the match in the 22nd minute as the Glasgow scrum-half claimed possession from Matt Fagerson at the base of the ruck before stepping his way through the defence to score. Thompson was again successful with the conversion.

After Ben Muncaster and Jamie Bhatti were both denied tries when they were held up by the Chilean defence, Hoyland ensured the Scots ended the first half with another score when he ran on to a pass from Horne and nipped between the posts. Thompson kicked the conversion in the last action of a one-sided half.

Hoyland completed his hat-trick five minutes into the second half after powering his way through the Chilean resistance on the right following a Scott Cummings lay-off. Thompson missed his first conversion of the match.

The hosts came into the match thereafter and after squandering some promising opportunities, they eventually got themselves a deserved consolation try with four minutes left when Santiago Edwards powered over despite some impressive defending from Scotland replacement Price.

But the Scots ended the match on a high note when McLean and Price both touched down in the closing moments.