Scotland player ratings v All Blacks: Sione Tuipulotu’s ‘attacking brilliance’ catches the eye while star forward ’empties the tank’ in losing cause
Scotland skipper Sione Tuipulotu on the attack against the All Blacks and number eight Jack Dempsey (inset).
After their 25-17 defeat against the All Blacks in their Autumn Nations Series encounter at Murrayfield, here’s how Scotland’s players performed on Saturday.
Captain leads by example
15 Blair Kinghorn: The Toulouse star was his usual, dependable self under the high ball but made his biggest contribution on attack as he kept the All Blacks‘ defenders on their toes with some fine runs. On one such occasion, he kept his composure brilliantly to offload to Kyle Steyn, who crossed for a crucial try early in the second half. Could have done better defensively for each of the All Blacks’ three tries, particularly the last which proved incredibly costly. 5
14 Darcy Graham: Always looked dangerous when he found himself in space out wide and came desperately close to scoring a deserved try in the second half, but had the ball knocked from his grasp by Cam Rogard, while crossing the whitewash. Graham also put his body on the line in defence.7
13 Rory Hutchinson: Not his best day at the office as he slipped some tackles on defence and did not ask too many questions of the All Blacks’ defence with ball in hand. 5
12 Sione Tuipulotu (c): From the outset, Scotland‘s captain was a willing ball carrier who tested the visitors’ defence throughout and if he did not gain momentum, his carries sucked in some defenders, which created opportunities for his teammates. Apart from his attacking brilliance, Tuipulotu was also solid on defence and won a crucial turnover. 8
11 Kyle Steyn: His selection ahead of Duhan van der Merwe was a big talking point in the build-up to this match, but Steyn put in a solid all-round effort for the full 80 minutes. He scored a well-taken try and was brave in the aerial battle. 7
10 Finn Russell: Scotland’s star player did not make the best start to this game as he was quiet in the opening half, but grew in confidence as the match progressed. At fault defensively in the build-up to Will Jordan’s try but came back strongly when the Scots were chasing the game, while his accurate goal-kicking was crucial in helping his side draw level in the second half. Eventually replaced by Tom Jordan late on. 6
9 Ben White: During the early stages of this clash, the experienced Toulon scrum-half came off second best in his direct duel with All Blacks star Roigard, but, like most of Scotland’s players, he improved as the match progressed and played a key role in his side’s second-half fightback. Showed his class on attack and defence before being replaced by James Dobie after 55 minutes. 6
Fine effort from ‘big bruiser’
8 Jack Dempsey: The big bruiser showed why he is Scotland’s first choice number eight as he emptied the tank with an outstanding all-round display. Dempsey gave his side good momentum at close quarters with ball in hand and at times he looked like he was taking the fight to the All Blacks on his own. Apart from that, he also did his bit with some big hits on defence. 8
7 Matt Fagerson: Despite being a willing ball carrier, his attacking efforts did not provide much headaches to the All Blacks. Fagerson also put his body on the line on defence and toiled manfully at the breakdowns, but came off second best in his direct duel with Ardie Savea. Replaced by Rory Darge in the 61st minute. 6
6 Gregor Brown: Although the 24-year-old back-row was not as influential with ball in hand, he more than made up for it with an excellent defensive performance. 7
5 Grant Gilchrist: The veteran second-row put in a big 65-minute shift and during his time on the field he got through plenty of work on defence and did his bit in the lineouts. 6
4 Scott Cummings: Just like his second-row partner, the 28-year-old came to the fore with a high defensive work-rate and he did what was expected of him in the lineout battle. 7
3 D’Arcy Rae: Not much to report here. The Edinburgh tighthead prop did what was expected of him in the tight exchanges and put some pressure on Ethan de Groot in the scrums before being replaced by Elliot Millar-Mills after 55 minutes. 6
2 Ewan Ashman: The Edinburgh stalwart was on the field for 55 minutes and gave his all during his time on the field. Ashman was superb in the execution of his core duties and made a big impact as a ball carrier, which saw him rewarded with his side’s first try. Replaced by George Turner midway through the second half. 7
1 Pierre Schoeman: The Edinburgh star can be happy with his efforts as he was solid in the scrums and shone with ball in hand before being replaced by Rory Sutherland in the 55th minute. However, he came back on in the closing stages of this clash – when Sutherland was forced off through injury – and continued with his good work. 7
Replacements: Most of the changes made by Scotland boss Gregor Townsend came when the momentum was with them midway through the second half, when they did well to draw level with the All Blacks at 17-17. However, the reinforcements could not build on the solid platform which was laid for them by the players they replaced, as the visitors finished stronger and regained the initiative. 4