Scotland player ratings vs Fiji: Gregor Townsend's men humbled

bySteven Smith

Scotland player ratings vs Fiji as Gregor Townsend's men were comfortably beaten by the inspired Flying Fijians in Suva on Saturday.

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Darcy Graham was shown a red card as Scotland endured a punishing defeat to a four-try Fiji side in Suva, dealing a major blow to their chances of securing a favourable World Cup draw.

The Scots, still chasing their first-ever victory in the Fijian capital, struggled in humid conditions where many looked visibly uncomfortable.

Scotland got off to a promising start with Kyle Rowe crossing the whitewash inside the opening three minutes. However, Fiji stormed back, scoring two tries late in the first half to lead 15–7 at the break. The Scots played much of the half under pressure, compounded by sin-binnings for Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham that highlighted Fiji's dominance.

Tom Jordan’s try early in the second half briefly closed the deficit to a single point, but Wainiqolo’s brilliant solo effort reasserted Fiji’s control. Graham’s second yellow, which led to a red card and penalty try for Fiji, put the game out of reach as the home side cruised to a 29–14 victory.

Scroll down for Scotland player ratings vs Fiji

Fiji: 29

Tries: Ikanivere (36'), Ravouvou (40'), Wainiqolo (59'), Penalty try (67')
Cons: Muntz (40', 60')
Pens: Muntz (21')

Scotland: 14

Tries: Rowe (3'), Jordan (44')
Cons: Burke (4', 45')
Pens:

Scotland player ratings vs Fiji:

Scoring Summary

Fiji (29)
Tries: Ikanivere (36'), Ravouvou (40'), Wainiqolo (59'), Penalty try (67')
Conversions: Muntz (40', 60')
Penalties: Muntz (21')

Scotland (14)
Tries: Rowe (3'), Jordan (44')
Conversions: Burke (4', 45')

Scotland Player Ratings

15. Kyle Rowe – 5

Scored a well-taken try early on but struggled under the high ball and looked exposed defensively as Fiji ramped up the pressure.

14. Darcy Graham – 2

Poor discipline marred his performance. A needless yellow card in the first half nearly cost a penalty try, before a second infringement and subsequent red sealed a forgettable outing. Confidence clearly shaken after Lions omission.

13. Cameron Redpath – 6

Put in a physical shift but had limited chances to influence the game with ball in hand.

12. Tom Jordan – 7

A bright spark. Scored a try, tackled hard, and made good decisions throughout. Promising signs from the incoming Bristol man.

11. Kyle Steyn – 5

Struggled to make an impact in open play and was caught out defensively, but remained solid under the high ball. Encouraging to see him back after a tough injury spell.

10. Fergus Burke – 7

An assured debut from the Kiwi-born stand-off. Showed composure, kicked well off the tee, and produced a superb 50:22 early in the second half.

9. Jamie Dobie – 5

Found it difficult to inject tempo or structure under pressure from the relentless Fijian defence. Looked hesitant at times.

1. Rory Sutherland – 6

Solid in the scrum and contributed well in open play.

2. Ewan Ashman – 6

Guilty of poor discipline early with a yellow card, but bounced back with a strong second-half showing.

3. Elliot Millar-Mills – 6

Held his own in the tight and added physicality around the park.

4. Marshall Sykes – 5.5

Put in a decent shift in the engine room before being replaced on 56 minutes.

5. Grant Gilchrist – 6

Veteran lock tried to rally his team but showed signs of frustration as the game slipped away. Won plenty of line out ball.

6. Jamie Ritchie – 5

Made some key tackles before leaving the field injured on his 60th cap. A warrior, but clearly hampered.

7. Rory Darge (captain) – 7

Led from the front with a gutsy defensive display. One of the few Scots to match Fiji's physicality.

8. Matt Fagerson – 4

Uncharacteristically quiet. Struggled to make metres and was dominated in contact.

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