Scotland signed off on a turbulent 2025 with a comfortable 56-0 win over Tonga at Murrayfield.
The Scots were never in any danger against the Pacific Islanders, who showed ill-discipline right from the off and were put to the sword, particularly in the second half as Scotland’s strength from the bench showed.
Gregor Townsend’s side - which showed 14 changes from last weekend’s painful defeat by Argentina - ran in eight tries. Substitutes George Horne and Ewan Ashman bagged doubles and there were scores from Jamie Ritchie, George Turner, Max Williamson and Duhan van der Merwe. Fergus Burke and Horne were flawless from the tee.
While Scotland will be have pleased to have chalked up such an impressive scoreline and rallied after the defeat against the Pumas, their full record this year only shows wins over Italy, Wales, Maori All Blacks, Samoa, USA and Tonga, with defeats from more established nations such as England, France, Ireland, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.
It is a set of results that has placed further scrutiny on head coach Gregor Townsend, whose future was questioned in the build-up to this game.
Here are the player ratings from the match against Tonga at Murrayfield.
9. Ben White
Back from the illness that ruled him out late against Argentina. Diligent and slick enough in terms of getting ball out to rest of his backs. Held up for a try right on half time. Replaced by Horne. 7 | SNS Group / SRU
10. Fergus Burke
On his first appearance at Murrayfield, the stand-off was flawless with his kicking. Saw a lot of the ball in open play and while always looking to be imaginative and purposeful with his running, he didn't unlock the Tongan backline too often. Came off for Kyle Steyn. 7 | SNS Group / SRU
11. Duhan van der Merwe
Moved back ahead as Scotland's record try-scorer with a trademark break on the hour mark. On 35 tries, he leads Darcy Graham by one. Great high take and break set up Scotland's second try. Played well on his return to the team. 8 | SNS Group / SRU
12. Sione Tuipulotu
The captain was full of running and took the game to Tonga. Thought he'd scored the opening try on nine minutes but was penalised for a double movement. Taken off for McDowall before the hour mark. 7 | SNS Group / SRU