Scotland delivered a crushing 56-0 victory over Tonga in their final Autumn Nations Series match on November 23, 2025, at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. The win came after a tough series with losses to New Zealand and Argentina, allowing the team to end on a high note with eight unanswered tries.
A Commanding Performance from Start to Finish
The Scottish side took control early, building a strong lead in the first half through smart plays and relentless pressure. Fans at the packed stadium cheered as the home team showcased their attacking flair against a Tongan outfit that struggled to keep up.
Gregor Townsend’s men looked sharp from the kickoff, using quick ball movement to break through defenses. This performance marked a clear step up from recent disappointments, giving players a much needed boost in confidence before the off season.
Breaking Down the Tries and Key Plays
Scotland’s attack clicked into gear with tries spread across both halves, highlighting their depth in scoring options. The first half saw three quick scores that set the tone, while the second half exploded with five more to seal the deal.
Duhan van der Merwe stole the spotlight by notching his 35th international try, surpassing the previous record and cementing his status as a Scotland legend. Other contributors like Jamie Ritchie and George Turner powered over the line with brute force, while backs added speed and creativity to the mix.
Here is a table summarizing the try scorers and their contributions:
| Player | Tries Scored | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Duhan van der Merwe | 1 | Record 35th try for Scotland |
| Jamie Ritchie | 1 | Captain’s leadership in first half |
| George Turner | 1 | Strong hooker performance |
| Max Williamson | 1 | Emerging talent shines |
| Ewan Ashman | 1 | Solid replacement effort |
| George Horne | 1 | Scrum half adds to the tally |
| Others (combined) | 3 | Team depth on display |
Conversions came from Fergus Burke with five successful kicks and George Horne adding three, ensuring every try counted toward the massive total.
Tonga’s Struggles with Discipline and Defense
Tonga faced a tough day, hampered by multiple penalties that shifted momentum firmly in Scotland’s favor. The visitors received three yellow cards and one red, leaving them short handed for key periods and unable to mount any real comeback.
This ill discipline opened the door for Scotland to dominate possession and territory. Despite some spirited efforts from Tongan forwards, their backline could not handle the pace and power of the Scottish assault, leading to a one sided affair.
Experts noted that Tonga’s preparation seemed limited, with travel and scheduling playing a role in their undercooked state. Still, the match exposed areas where the Pacific islanders need to improve to compete at this level.
Standout Players and Team Ratings
Several Scots earned high praise for their efforts, with the back row standing out in both attack and defense. Zander Fagerson anchored the scrum with an outstanding display, earning top marks for his consistency and power.
George Turner also impressed as hooker, combining well with the forwards to create scoring chances. Duhan van der Merwe’s record try was the highlight, but his overall game, including strong carries, showed why he remains vital to the team.
- Key strengths observed: Dominant forward pack controlled the set pieces, allowing backs to exploit spaces.
- Areas for improvement: Scotland occasionally lost focus in the middle, hinting at rust from the earlier losses.
- Fan reactions: Social media buzzed with relief and excitement, though some called for more consistency against top teams.
- Coach’s view: Townsend highlighted the need to address any sense of entitlement within the squad to build long term success.
Player ratings averaged strong across the board, reflecting a professional job against weaker opposition.
Looking Ahead After a Mixed Autumn Series
This victory provides some redemption for Scotland after a series that included a narrow loss to New Zealand and a heavy defeat to Argentina. While the win over Tonga feels good, it does little to mask broader concerns about consistency against elite sides.
Townsend now faces questions about his future, with calls for tactical tweaks ahead of the next campaign. The team heads into 2026 with positives like emerging talents and a clean sheet, but must address defensive lapses seen earlier.
Recent events, such as the World Rugby rankings holding steady, offer hope, but Scotland aims to climb higher. Fans hope this rout signals a turning point, blending youth with experience for future battles.
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