Scotland delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, defeating the United States 85-0 at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. This match marked Scotland’s highest score ever at their historic home ground, which has stood for over a century, and the third highest score in the team’s history. The victory was highlighted by a hat trick from Darcy Graham, who matched the try-scoring record held by his teammate Duhan van der Merwe.
The Scottish team exhibited exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the match, scoring a total of 13 tries, accompanied by 10 successful conversions. Alongside Graham, scrumhalf Jamie Dobie also contributed significantly with three tries, while Van der Merwe added two more to the tally. Other notable contributions came from Dylan Richardson, Kyle Rowe, captain Stafford McDowall, Ollie Smith, and George Horne, who recorded 15 points from the match.
This overwhelming success not only showcased Scotland’s rugby prowess but also highlighted the challenges faced by the United States team, who were competing at Murrayfield for the first time in 25 years. Despite having qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in September, the U.S. struggled defensively, missing nearly 40 tackles throughout the match.
Historic Achievement for Graham and Van der Merwe
With their impressive performances, both Graham and Van der Merwe have now reached a career total of 34 tries, solidifying their places as key players in Scotland’s rugby history. The significance of this match extends beyond mere statistics, as it reflects the growing strength of the Scottish rugby team in international competitions.
The match not only served as a celebration of Scotland’s rugby capabilities but also as a learning experience for the U.S. squad. Head Coach Gary Gold expressed his disappointment with the team’s defensive weaknesses and acknowledged the need for improvement in future matches.
As Scotland prepares for upcoming challenges, this victory serves as a crucial boost in confidence and a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, fans will be eager to see how this momentum translates into future performances on the global stage.
