Scotland’s second test of the Autumn was won in even more convincing style than the first, with the team scoring nine tries in their first ever encounter against an exciting Fiji side. Here are some key takeaways from the fixture.
Scotland developing clinical edge
An excellent short kickoff and some outstanding carries from Fiji put the fear into me – but not into Scotland. For the first ten minutes, every time Scotland had the ball, crunching tackles and turnovers prevented them doing much with it, and Fijiana looked great with ball in hand. However, Scotland stayed calm, and crucially, didn’t let Fiji get on the board.
Eventually, the forwards unlocked the Fijiana defence with a well worked maul leading to a penalty try. This, alongside the resultant yellow card, turned the tides and Scotland made the most of their player advantage. From 21-0 up, they didn’t let up even when Fiji were back to full strength.
After several tries against Wales were held up or disallowed, it was great to see Scotland look like fantastic finishers. Their defence was also strong throughout, with all three of Fiji’s tries well earned by the visitors.
Easson selection headaches continue
In some positions, Bryan Easson has world-class options, and Scotland’s depth is ever-increasing – not a luxury Scotland had a few years ago. From a back three filled with fabulous finishers, to a back row that will only fit one of the iconic Jade Konkel and the excellent Evie Gallagher, there are tough choices to be made.
Meryl Smith had a fantastic game at flyhalf, and particularly off the tee, earning player of the match against Fiji. However, I think it’s more than likely that she’d be on the bench for the big games in WXV2. She’s excellent at 10 and 12, and a solid fullback, although she hasn’t yet truly shone there for Scotland. But over whom would you have her start? Helen Nelson seems to get better every game, Lisa Thomson has an unbelievable boot, as well as carrying and distribution skills for days, and Chloe Rollie can step any player in the world. Smith may be a victim of her own flexibility, but she’s an incredible utility option off the bench.
A player as good as Louise McMillan initially not making the squad highlights the depth in the forwards, too. It was great to see some of the young guns getting their first front-row starts, and as we all knew, Elliann Clarke LOVES winning scrum penalties. Fiji gained the ascendancy in the scrum as the fixture went on, but playing such a physical team will be invaluable experience as the pack prepares to take on Italy, Japan and Australia in WXV2.
Depth has been building more slowly at scrumhalf, particularly with Jenny Maxwell only recently having recovered from injury, but I’m very excited to see more of Leia Brebner-Holden. Her distribution was the best I’ve seen from a Scotland player for a long time and she had a lovely little half-break. I heard the commentator mention that she isn’t a confident box kicker, moving from the wing not long ago, but when this skill develops I can see her being a huge player for Scotland. I imagine either Caity Mattinson or Mairi McDonald will start all the WXV2 fixtures, but can see LBH making a great impact off the bench.
Fiji should tear up in WXV3
I was very impressed with Fijiana in their first game against Scotland, and not only in the first 10 minutes. Their left winger Milinia was unbelievably good, all three of their tries were earned and executed well and the team had talent in spades.
They reminded me a little of Scotland a few years ago – some fantastic phases, a beautiful break, then a momentum-killing mistake, from handling errors to two yellow cards.
It’s worth noting that this was Fiji’s first game in months, so some of the errors can be attributed to rustiness. If they can shake this off for their second warm up and beyond, I think Fiji are in with a very good shot of winning WXV3.
Scotland reach new heights
Scotland have ascended to fifth in the world rankings for the first time. And they’re a great team! I enjoyed watching them play so much that I forgot to feel sick (my default state when watching Scotland).
Onto WXV2… as defending champions, and the top ranked team in the tournament, they should win. I don’t think it’ll be as easy as that, but I do believe they can do it.
After that – or even if they come second – the next step must be to really compete against the top four teams. There is a cavernous gap between the top four and fifth: in the world rankings, there are 10.49 points between France (4) and Scotland (5), with only 3.29 points between Scotland and Wales (10).
It’s great to watch Scotland achieve big wins at home, but I’m disappointed that they won’t play Canada, New Zealand, France or England in between Six Nations tournaments. If they start getting more regular top-four fixtures, the sky is the limit for this Scotland team.
