Scotland player ratings vs New Zealand | Autumn Nations Series
Scotland fell agonisingly short of a first-ever win against New Zealand at Murrayfield. The visitors raced into a 10-0 lead thanks to tries from Samisoni Taukei’aho and debutant Mark Talea inside the first 10 minutes.
Scotland recovered superbly with a penalty try and a score from Darcy Graham, while Finn Russell’s boot meant they’d scored 23 unanswered points going into the final 25 minutes.
But the All Blacks came, as they so typically have done in recent years at Murrayfield, and tries from Scott Barrett and Talea’s second took the game away from the hosts.
It was another valiant effort against the All Blacks. Here’s how Gregor Townsend’s players rated.
15. Stuart Hogg – 8
The former skipper showed his attacking prowess with a lovely chip to get Scotland’s first try, but will have been disappointed to be shrugged off early by Talea in the build-up to the visitors’ opening score.
14. Darcy Graham – 8
The stadium lifts every time he gets the ball, and the Hawick man is such a threat. Dragged Scotland right back into the game with a perfect read to pick off Havili’s pass, step Jordie Barrett and score. So close to a second score on the half-hour and always went looking for work.
13. Chris Harris – 7
Quiet again with ball in hand but his experience counts for so much in marshalling the Scottish defence.
12. Sione Tuipulotu – 7
Gets through a mountain of work and carried consistently into the heart of the visitors’ defence.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 8
New Zealand found the big winger so difficult to put down, yet the All Blacks kept kicking his way. Kept coming off his wing and offering himself in close quarters.
10. Finn Russell – 8
There’s been so much made of the return of Scotland’s mercurial fly-half, but he showed his class there. Offered some lovely touches as he added so much to Scotland’s attack. So often a threat whether running or putting others into space.
9. Ali Price – 7
His selection was questioned in some quarters, but the Lions half-back linked well with his good mate Russell. A couple of lovely box-kicks to give Scotland territory and delivered speedy service for his half-back colleague.
1. Pierre Schoeman – 8
The South African-born loosehead showed his power in the tight, making nearly 30 metres with his four carries, and got on top of Laulala at the set-piece. Also showed his sleight of hand on a number of occasions to link with the backs.
2. Fraser Brown – 7
Handed a recall for the first time in a couple of years, his lineout throwing was on the money and added his weight to the scrum. His sealing-off penalty was one of many opportunities Scotland couldn’t convert. Nine tackles were the most of the front row.
3. Zander Fagerson – 7
A busy shift from the tighthead who contributed four carries in the first half, and played his part in the scrum getting on top.
4. Richie Gray – 7.5
The elder of the Gray brothers rolled back the years against fellow veteran Whitelock. Scotland’s go-to man at the lineout, with seven plus seven tackles.
5. Grant Gilchrist – 7
Edinburgh’s captain said he wanted to do Doddie Weir – who famously wore the number five jersey and delivered the match ball – proud with his performance. While Gilchrist doesn’t have the same all-court game as 61-cap Weir, he got stuck in. Six tackles like his second row colleague, plus four carries.
6. Jamie Ritchie – 7
Another big shift, but the breakdown was a real concern throughout. Ritchie, like his side, started slowly, but showed some of his best in the intervening 50 minutes before the All Blacks reassumed control. 12 tackles for the skipper.
7. Hamish Watson – 6
Didn’t get on the ball for the whole first half last week, made a dent with two early carries today. Great chase on a Hogg kick to win Scotland territory, but that forced the Edinburgh man off. Scotland missed his breakdown threat.
8. Matt Fagerson – 7
A couple of strong involvements early on but was turned over by his opposite number Savea in the build-up to Talea’s try. Again led the tackle count with 16.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Ewan Ashman – 5
On for Brown for the final 10 minutes, but like to many of the Scottish replacements, didn’t add the impact required.
17. Rory Sutherland – 5
Replaced the industrious Schoeman for the final 25 minutes. Conceded a penalty at his first scrum. Didn’t last long before he was carted off injured.
18. WP Nel – 5
On for his 50th cap but was under pressure at the scrum.
19. Jonny Gray – 5
On for Gilchrist on 65 minutes, but couldn’t stem the
20. Jack Dempsey – 7
The Australian-born back-row replaced Watson on 18 minutes and put a big shift in. Sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, during which the visitors reassumed control.
21. Ben White – 5
Replaced Price with 15 minutes to go, but unable to have the same impact as his opposite number Perenara.
22. Blair Kinghorn – N/A
No time to make any impression after replacing Tuipulto late on.
23. Mark Bennett – 5
On for the final 15 minutes, replacing Harris, but no real opportunity for the Edinburgh man to show his attacking capability.
Comments on RugbyPass
Just such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
2 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
4 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
4 Go to comments