Scotland prepared for next weekend’s match against New Zealand with a 85-0 annihilation of USA at Murrayfield.
Winger Darcy Graham and scrum-half Jamie Dobie landed hat-tricks and Duhan van der Merwe, on his 50th cap, crossed the whitewash twice. There were tries for Dylan Richardson, Kyle Rowe, George Horne, Ollie Smith and captain Stafford McDowall. Adam Hastings kicked ten points, while Horne landed ten from the boot as well.
Scotland were without players based in England and France, but there was no need for them. USA were one of the worst international teams to visit Murrayfield and contributed to their own downfall with some awful defending.
This result is Scotland’s biggest winning margin at Murrayfield, eclipsing a 48-0 win over Spain in 1999. They fell short of breaking the all-time record victory, an 100-8 trouncing of Japan in 2004, although after an electric first half with 45 points on the board, the prospect was there.
Edinburgh duo Liam McConnell and Harri Morris made their debuts but there are likely to be many changes when the All Blacks visit Edinburgh on Saturday.
Here are marks out of ten for the Scotland starters at Murrayfield.
13. Ollie Smith
Enjoyed his outing at centre. Set up Graham for his hat-trick try at the start of the second half. Finished off the scoring right at the death. 9 | SNS Group / SRU
14. Darcy Graham
Three and easy for Graham - and an assist too. Pinned his ears back on ten minutes to open his account and involved in a delightful chip-and-pick move to tee up Dobie. Back to try-scoring on 36 minutes after lovely handiwork from Rowe. Landed his hat-trick try early in the second half. With next week in mind, ended the night on 51 minutes on the 33-try mark for Scotland. Complete performance - albeit against very limited opposition. 10 | SNS Group / SRU
15. Kyle Rowe
Took an early knock but battled on. Showed great improvisation to set up Graham's second try. Deservedly got on the scoresheet on 57 minutes. Always energetic and looking to make things happen. 9 | SNS Group / SRU
16. Replacements
Five players were brought on at the break: props Nathan McBeth and Murphy Walker, second row Alex Samuel and Magnus Bradbury at No 8. Ross Thompson replaced Hastings at No 10. George Horne, who scored a try, and Max Williamson appeared on 51 minutes. Harri Morris (above) was introduced on 62 minutes to make his debut. | SNS Group / SRU