Scotland delivered a dominant performance to end their Autumn Nations Series on a high note, thrashing Tonga 56-0 at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on November 23, 2025. The victory came after an early red card to Tonga handed the home side a huge edge, allowing them to score eight tries and provide some much-needed relief for coach Gregor Townsend following recent losses to New Zealand and Argentina.
Fans packed the stadium with around 60,000 in attendance on a chilly Sunday afternoon, cheering as Scotland capitalized on their opponents’ mistakes. This win not only boosted team morale but also saw winger Duhan van der Merwe etch his name in history with a record-breaking try.
Match Highlights from a One-Sided Affair
The game kicked off with high energy, but Tonga’s discipline crumbled almost immediately. Just six minutes in, flanker Semisi Paea received a yellow card for a dangerous clear-out on Scotland’s George Turner, which officials later upgraded to a 20-minute red card after review. This left Tonga short-handed early, and Scotland wasted no time exploiting the advantage.
Scotland raced to a 21-0 lead by halftime through three forward-driven tries. The hosts controlled possession and territory, though they showed flashes of rust from their own recent inconsistencies. Tonga’s lack of match practice since August showed, as they struggled to mount any real threat.
In the second half, the scoreline ballooned as more disciplinary issues plagued the visitors. Two yellow cards for deliberate knock-ons came in quick succession, reducing Tonga to 13 players at one point. Scotland’s attacks grew more fluid, turning the match into a showcase of their attacking potential against a depleted defense.
Here are the key try scorers and timings that defined the rout:
- Jamie Ritchie (10th minute): Powered through two defenders for the opener.
- George Turner (18th minute): Marked his 50th cap with a strong finish from a Van der Merwe break.
- Max Williamson (22nd minute): Twisted over after a lineout steal.
- Duhan van der Merwe (59th minute): His 35th international try, breaking the national record.
- Ewan Ashman (64th and 72nd minutes): Two quick scores from the bench.
- George Horne (75th and 78th minutes): Scrum-half capped a lively cameo with a brace.
Star Players Deliver Standout Performances
Duhan van der Merwe stole the spotlight with his historic try, surging through a gap to reclaim the all-time scoring lead from Darcy Graham. The Edinburgh winger’s speed and offloads set up multiple chances, proving why he remains a cornerstone of the backline.
Up front, the forwards laid the foundation. Jamie Ritchie, returning after a break, scored early and tackled relentlessly, earning praise for his leadership. George Turner not only crossed for a try but also hit his lineout throws accurately on his milestone appearance. Max Williamson impressed with powerful carries, signaling depth in the second row.
Substitutes made a big impact too. Ewan Ashman and George Horne each bagged two tries, injecting pace and energy. Magnus Bradbury shone in the back row, combining well with Ritchie on attacks while defending stoutly. These efforts highlighted Scotland’s bench strength, a positive amid the series’ ups and downs.
Player ratings from the match reflected the dominance, with several Scots earning high marks for their contributions.
| Player Position | Rating (out of 10) | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Zander Fagerson (Prop) | 8 | Solid scrummaging after long layoff; dominant in loose |
| George Turner (Hooker) | 7.5 | Accurate throws; scored on 50th cap |
| Jamie Ritchie (Flanker) | 8 | Try scorer; tireless tackling |
| Duhan van der Merwe (Wing) | 9 | Record-breaking try; game-changing breaks |
| George Horne (Scrum-half) | 7 | Two late tries; quick service |
Tonga’s Discipline Proves Costly in Defeat
Tonga entered the match as underdogs, having not played a Test since August, and their preparations suffered from limited squad time together. The early red card set a poor tone, but further yellows for Harison Mataele at halftime, Taniela Filimone in the 48th minute, and Fine Inisi in the 58th compounded their woes.
These infractions stemmed from desperate defending, including deliberate knock-ons to stop promising Scottish attacks. While Tonga showed grit in patches, their physicality sometimes crossed into recklessness, leading to a shutout loss. Coach Toutai Kefu will rue the missed opportunities, as his side could have tested Scotland more if discipline held.
This result echoes Tonga’s challenges in recent years, where talent shines but consistency lags. Scotland, meanwhile, turned the errors into points, though some sloppy play reminded fans of vulnerabilities seen against stronger foes.
Townsend Finds Relief but Faces Ongoing Pressure
Gregor Townsend called the win a “pleasing response” after a tough fortnight, but he acknowledged the autumn series as a whole fell short. Losses to New Zealand and a stunning comeback defeat by Argentina had drawn sharp criticism, putting the coach under fire.
In post-match comments, Townsend spoke about a possible “sense of entitlement” in Scottish rugby, urging players to stay hungry. The 56-0 scoreline eases some heat, bookending the series with shutouts over the USA and Tonga. Yet, against top-tier teams, Scotland struggled with execution, losing leads and momentum.
This victory provides a foundation for 2026, including the Six Nations and World Cup qualifiers. Townsend rotated 14 players from the Argentina game, giving chances to returnees like Zander Fagerson, who impressed after seven months out. Fans on social media mixed praise with calls for sharper focus ahead.
Looking Ahead to Scotland’s Rugby Future
As 2025 wraps, Scotland can reflect on a mixed bag: strong starts against weaker sides but fades against elites. The Tonga win boosts confidence, but addressing defensive lapses and maintaining intensity will be key. With the Six Nations looming in early 2026, Townsend has work to do in building cohesion.
Recent events like Argentina’s comeback highlight the need for mental resilience, a lesson this match reinforced positively. Emerging talents like Max Williamson could push for more spots, adding excitement.
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