Scotland player ratings vs Portugal in their third game of the Autumn Nations Series at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
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Scotland ran riot at Murrayfield with a blistering nine-try performance, trouncing Portugal in a game full of highlights. Darcy Graham notched his 29th Test try, matching Duhan van der Merwe’s Scotland try-scoring record in the process, as the Edinburgh winger continued his impressive form.
It was a fast start for the hosts, with Will Hurd getting the ball rolling early. Captain Stafford McDowall, a penalty try, and Josh Bayliss all added to the tally in the first half, while Portugal’s Luka Begic managed to grab a consolation score just before the break.
The second half saw Scotland’s dominance continue, with prop Jamie Bhatti scoring his first international try on his 35th appearance. Portugal responded through scrum-half Samuel Marques, but Scotland were relentless.
Aaron Reed then turned on the afterburners, scoring twice in three minutes to push the Scots beyond 50 points. The cherry on top? Teenager Freddy Douglas marked his debut by becoming the youngest Scotland player in over six decades.
Scroll down for Scotland player ratings vs Portugal.
Scotland: 59
- Tries: Will Hurd (03′), Stafford McDowall (11′), Darcy Graham (33′), Josh Bayliss (37′), Jamie Bhatti (43′), Arron Reed (58′, 61′), Jamie Dobie (72′)
- Cons: Adam Hastings (11′, 34′, 38′, 59′, 62′), Tom Jordan(73′)
- Pens:
Portugal: 21
- Tries: Luka Begic (42′), Samuel Marques (54′), Raffaele Storti (66′)
- Cons: Samuel Marques (43′, 55′, 67′)
- Pens:
Scotland player ratings vs Portugal:
15. Tom Jordan – 8.5
On only his third cap for Scotland, Tom Jordan was easily the player of the match. With 13 carries, amassing over 130 yards, the fullback was exciting and ever-dangerous capping off a great showing with a lovely offload for Scotland’s 5th try.
14. Darcy Graham – 8
The tricky winger was as pleasing on the eye as ever. Graham was a constant threat, and showcased his talent for the 4th Scottish try, dancing around defenders. It was try that equaled Duhan Van de Merwe’s 29 tries for Scotland, making him the joint all-time scorer for his nation.
13. Rory Hutchinson – 6
Hutchinson was one of the quieter attackers but was instrumental in Scotland’s 5th try along with Tom Jordan and try scorer Bayliss. It may have been the best of the lot.
12. Stafford McDowall (c) – 7
The captain was indicative of any Scottish captain. Hard, passionate and full of running with a try to go alongside it.
11. Arron Reed – 7.5
Arron Reed had a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde showing. Reed was quiet in the first half but came to life in the second. His first try was the result of good Scottish rugby but his magical feet set the foundation for his second.
10. Adam Hastings – 7
Much like Reed, Hastings was hit and miss. Some visible frustration and missed kicks interspersed with moments of brilliance and sparkling creativity.
9. George Horne – 6
The scrum half did well to keep the ball in for Graham’s try but aside from that was at the focal point of a frustrating first half attacking display.
8. Josh Bayliss – 7
Bayliss was one of the pack to get on the scoresheet. His size, and unrelenting power was a nightmare for Portugal.
7. Ben Muncaster – 6,5
Muncaster had a good start, but faded as the game went on as did many of the Scottish forwards.
6. Luke Crosbie – 6
Luke Crosbie had an average display but showed some promising moments throughout the first half
5. Alex Samuel – 6
Samuel was much alike to Crosbie. The defense of Scotland from a forward’s point of view was poor at times. But Samuel was not one of the mistake-makers.
4. Alex Craig – 6.5
You can’t take much from Alex Craig’s energy and commitment. He was present and prevalent all the way through the match in both attack and defense.
3. Will Hurd – 7
Will Hurd struggled in the scrum at times but managed to grab the first try of the match and his first try for Scotland.
2. Patrick Harrison – 7
Harrison was an ever-present. He looked certain to score a try but was robbed by the whistle of a penalty try. The only negative is that his lineout throw was not perfect and that is rare.
1. Jamie Bhatti – 8
Bhatti gets an eight for his story. He got his first try for Scotland, the man with an unlikely rise to the top.
Replacements
16. Johnny Matthews – 5.5
The usually formidable forward struggled off the bench and might have been at fault for Portugal’s third try.
17. Rory Sutherland – 6
Sutherland came on and injected some power into the breakdown.
18. Elliot Millar Mills – 5.5
Millar Mills, another who is usually reliable, was below par by his standards after coming on before the hour mark.
19. Ewan Johnson – Na/a
20. Freddy Douglas – 6
A widely anticipated debut for the 19 year old and a solid cameo.
21. Jamie Dobie – 8
The replacement scrum half was outstanding in his short time on the field. He was electric and the attack was notably higher in tempo whilst he played conductor. He deserved his try late on in the game and should be a strong contender to start the next match.
22. Matt Currie – 6.5
Currie showed some bright sparks after coming on. There is certainly more to come from him.
23. Kyle Rowe – N/a
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