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Scotland player ratings vs Tonga | Rugby World Cup 2023
Scotland’s improbable route to the knockout phase of the Rugby World Cup is still alive after a 45-17 bonus point win over Tonga in Nice.
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After Ireland’s win over the Springboks in Paris, Gregor Townsend’s side knew they required maximum points to have any chance of qualifying from Pool B.
And after a two-week break following the defeat to the Springboks in their opener, Scotland produced a much-improved performance to see off the Ikale Tahi.
Here’s how the Scotland players rated as they recorded their first win of this World Cup.
15. Blair Kinghorn – 7.5
An erratic opening for the Edinburgh man, who should have scored from his own kick. But he grew into the game and cut a lovely line to go over and put the game to bed. With the result secure, he should’ve had another try late on.
14. Kyle Steyn – 7.5
Four tries against Tonga the last time these sides met, and another today as the Glasgow captain finished a move he started from a lineout.
13. Chris Harris – 7
The Gloucester man was brought in by Gregor Townsend to add physicality to the midfield, and did well in that area. Also showed his attacking prowess with a couple of decent half breaks.
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12. Sione Tuipulotu – 7.5
The man with the Tongan father was busy with the ball, taking the game to the Tongan midfield. He also showed lovely hands to free Finn Russell for Duhan van der Merwe’s try.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 7.5
Brushed off by Salesi Piutau from the first kick-off, and walloped by Kata on quarter of an hour. The Edinburgh winger was unable to stop Piutau’s offload for Tonga’s opening try. But responded well with his 21st international try and a brilliant break on 68 minutes. Caught a bit of white line fever late on.
10. Finn Russell – 8
One of many who had a difficult outing against South Africa, but he was back firing the Scottish attack today. His wide passing game caused Tonga real problems throughout. Also looked comfortable as captain following Jamie Ritchie’s departure.
Only real disappointment was his wild clearance kick which gave Tonga a chance from which Ben Tameifuna barrelled over.
9. Ben White – 6.5
There were some good moments but the scrum-half didn’t have things all his own way. Caught a couple of times at the ruck and with a kick. Made way early in the second half and may be wrapped in cotton wool before Ireland meeting in a fortnight.
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1. Rory Sutherland – 7
Conceded a ninth-minute scrum penalty from which the Tongans got on the board, but got the upper hand on Tameifuna as the half wore on. Also showed his pace with a strong first-half carry. Prominent early in the second half too.
2. George Turner – 6.5
A much better outing than against the Springboks when the lineout crumbled under pressure, and though it wasn’t perfect, it did give Scotland a decent platform. Backed up his try in the 2021 win over Tonga with his 10th Test score, from a rampaging maul.
3. Zander Fagerson – 6.5
Solid if unspectacular from the tighthead. Worked hard at the coalface and some powerful carries into the heart of the Tongan pack.
4. Richie Gray – 7
Will be delighted with the improvements at the lineout and offered a good carrying option. A really poor attempted tackle on Tameifuna for his try.
5. Scott Cummings – 7.5
Replaced Grant Gilchrist after impressive cameo off the bench in Marseille. Some good carrying in close quarters – including for George Horne’s try. Also showed his work-rate to chase White’s kick and haul Piutau into touch.
6. Jamie Ritchie – 6
A couple of wayward passes trying to find Russell, but responded each time by putting his head down and getting over the gain line. The second occasion allowed Scotland space from which Steyn scored. Forced off just before half-time after a high tackle for which Afusipa Taumoepeau was very lucky not to see red.
7. Rory Darge – 6.5
Not able to impact the breakdown, but worked hard in defence and good work to score the all-important bonus point try right at the end of the first half.
8. Jack Dempsey – 7.5
Becoming such a vital cog for Scotland, and again important today. A couple of powerful carries put Scotland on the front foot, but the ex-Wallaby missed an opportunity to free van der Merwe up the touchline from a restart.
Replacements
16. Ewan Ashman – 6
Back from a concussion to make his World Cup debut in the final 15 minutes. Won a turnover immediately and then barrelled into contact, but lost a lineout and was turned over. Will likely get another go against Romania.
17. Pierre Schoeman – 6.5
On with half an hour to go. Made his debut and scored first Test try in this fixture two years ago.
18. WP Nel – 6.5
Replaced Nel for the final quarter and put the Tongan scrum under pressure.
19. Sam Skinner – 6
So unlucky to miss the World Cup four years ago with a hamstring injury, but finally made his World Cup bow on 65 minutes, replacing Richie Gray.
20. Matt Fagerson – 6.5
On for the skipper with the first half in its closing stages and worked tirelessly, as is his way.
21. George Horne – 7
On for the final half hour, the Glasgow man added tempo to a stuttering second half performance, and his try on 53 minutes proved crucial. Should start against Romania.
22. Huw Jones – 6.5
A couple of half-breaks after replacing Harris and made a couple of half breaks. Dropped the ball from van der Merwe’s long pass late on, but made amends with an offload that resulted in Graham’s scampering over.
23. Darcy Graham – 7
Replaced Steyn and immediately went looking for work. Glided round Tameifuna at the start of the move that ended with Horne’s try. Good chase forced Taumoepeau to rush his kick and gave Scotland good territory. Then showed his pace to score his 20th try for Scotland.
Rugby World Cup
Pool A
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
France
3
3
0
0
13
2
Italy
2
2
0
0
10
3
New Zealand
2
1
1
0
5
4
Uruguay
2
0
2
0
0
5
Namibia
3
0
3
0
0
Pool B
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
Ireland
3
3
0
0
14
2
South Africa
3
2
1
0
10
3
Scotland
2
1
1
0
5
4
Tonga
2
0
2
0
0
5
Romania
2
0
2
0
0
Pool C
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
Wales
2
2
0
0
10
2
Fiji
2
1
1
0
6
3
Australia
2
1
1
0
6
4
Georgia
2
0
1
1
2
5
Portugal
2
0
1
1
2
Pool D
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
England
3
3
0
0
14
2
Samoa
2
1
1
0
5
3
Japan
2
1
1
0
5
4
Argentina
2
1
1
0
4
5
Chile
3
0
3
0
0
Comments on RugbyPass
It’ll be very interesting to see how Razor’s AB’s handle the new England rush D. It’s basically the Bok recipe they copied, so if England goes well then we know most likely the Boks will go well too. If England cops a hiding then we’ll have to study and adapt.
4 Go to commentsTypical trait of an australian is to moan. Goes well with there lack of humbleness as evident by the Reds bench on the weekend.
2 Go to commentsSBW’s bro’town commentary and lazy default to hyperbole should be ignored, a technical analyst he is not. Sotutu is a good player when games get goosey loosey, high skill set that fans of Zinzan recall with starry eyes. But you need power and mongrel at no8 in the Test arena and Sotutu gets found wanting there, much like Akira Ioane. No8’s like Zinzan and Ardie have bucketloads of mongrel and power and tenacity which allow the skill sets to flourish.
11 Go to commentsAn inside pass to attacker on the angle can make a drift defence look lead footed. Relies on fleet footed forward/s to get across from the breakdown. An argument for the smaller faster 7 perhaps?
4 Go to commentsSensational tackle. The reds one was late and rightly penalised. The other two were simultaneous with the pass. If nitpicking TMOs can’t find fault there clearly isn’t any.
2 Go to commentsBrumbies fully deserved their win on the back of their physicality and desire to control the ball. Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax should be the ABs starting front row when we start our test schedule. They have “come of age” and have bested all they have faced as well as been dominant with ball in hand in making the gainline. With De Groot, Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell backed up by Taukei'aho and Cody Taylor there's not an international front row that can trouble us. Can't wait to face the Boks over there, won't be no one point game this time.
5 Go to commentsKinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
5 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
5 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
11 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
5 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
4 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to comments