Scotland player ratings: Scotland cruised to a nine-run win over Portugal at Murrayfield, with several players making the most of their opportunities in Gregor Townsend’s rotating squad. The evaluation method is as follows:
1. Jamie Barty – 8
They were solid from the scrum and got on the scoresheet early in the second half with a powerful drive over the line. Reliable change from loose heads.
2. Patrick Harrison – 7
I carried it all day and was accurate even at set pieces. He worked hard in tight exchanges before being substituted in the second half.
3. Will Heard – 8
A dream debut at Murrayfield for the Leicester prop, who scored his first international try. In Scrum, he is dominant and in loose situations, he is busy.
4. Alex Craig – 7
Reliable and physical at the lineout. It is quietly effective before it goes dormant.
The Granite City
Portugal
5. Alex Samuel – 7
The diligent appearance of the rookie second row. He worked well with Craig on set pieces and was a tireless tackler.
6. Luke Crosby – 7
He led the defense with high activity and physical superiority. Played a key role in slowing down Portugal’s attacking tempo.
7. Ben Muncaster – 8
He was a strong ball carrier throughout and provided key support to his teammates at key moments. Another strong performance from the bank on the openside.
8. Josh Baylis – 8.5
He crossed for Scotland’s fifth attempt and executed with intent throughout the game. The Bathmen showed good anticipation and support lines to exploit Scotland’s attacking structure.
9. George Horne – 7.5
His incisive passes kept the attack going, and he quickened the pace of the breakdown. In the second half, he gave way to Dobie. A few missed tackles wiped out the copybook, but his excellent save to successfully block Darcy Graham’s attempt made up for it.
10. Adam Hastings – 8
He produced plays well with a strong tactical kicking game, and made several successful attempts before being replaced. A truly impressive afternoon’s work.
11. Aaron Reed – 9
Perhaps Scotland’s outstanding performer. The Sale winger scored two tries in the second half with his blistering pace and neat finishing. A thrilling debut at Murrayfield.
12. Stafford McDowall – 8.5
He was the skipper of the day and he rose to the occasion. He scored a brilliant solo try and led by example with his strong running and determination to defend.
13. Rory Hutchinson – 7.5
Made space for the outsiders and linked up well with Tom Jordan to set up Bayliss’ try. It is composed except for 1-2 scratches in the center. Underrated player.
14. Darcy Graham – 8.5
He wowed the crowd with a stunning individual effort, equaling Duhan van der Merwe’s goalscoring record. It’s dangerous every time you touch it.
15. Tom Jordan – 8.5
A few turnovers aside, the Bristol playmaker adapted well when switching from full-back to fly-half following Hastings’ replacement. His kicking and distribution were accurate and he occasionally hit defenders just for fun.
replacement part:
16. Johnny Matthews – 7
After coming on he was loosely busy and slotted seamlessly into set pieces.
17. Rory Sutherland – 7
When introduced he brought energy to the scrum and contributed well in loose situations.
18. Elliot Miller Mills – 7
Put in some solid shifts in the scrum and tackled hard.
19. Ewan Johnson – 7
When he joined the fray, his added physicality helped Scotland maintain control.
20. Freddie Douglas – 7
It was a landmark day for the teenager, who became Scotland’s youngest debutant since 1963. I made his presence felt without being nervous at all.
21. Jamie Dovey – 8
He made an immediate impact, injecting some decent tries and pace into Scotland’s attack.
22. Matt Curry – 7
He played in midfield and defended the defensive line well during Portugal’s second half attack.
23. Kyle Rowe – 7
They brought energy and flair to the backline in the final quarter.
