Yahoo News Scotland player ratings: Duhan van der Merwe the class act as second-half surge sees off Georgia
Following a 33-6 victory over Georgia in their Rugby World Cup warm-up at Murrayfield on Saturday, here are the player ratings for Scotland.
15 Ollie Smith: On this evidence, Blair Kinghorn is just slightly ahead in the pecking order come World Cup time. Was better in the second period, but Kinghorn just offers slightly more at the moment. 6
14 Kyle Steyn: Got his hands on the ball plenty of times without causing the damage Duhan van der Merwe did, but still had plenty of nice moments. 7
13 Huw Jones: Some good surges in the midfield but the quality of game we’ve become accustomed to this year. 6
12 Sione Tuipulotu: Did his job pretty well without absolutely standing out. Did the hard yards in the midfield. 6
11 Duhan van der Merwe: Such a dangerous runner and Georgia couldn’t handle him. Van der Merwe racked up the metres, making ground every time he got the ball, and was rewarded with a brace. 9
10 Finn Russell: Scotland were a bit too lateral in the first half, overplaying their hand, and Russell was partly at fault. However, he was much better in the few minutes he had in the second period and was key to them getting on the front foot. 7
9 Ben White: Service was sharp enough, doing his job by getting the ball quickly into Russell’s hands, but was a solid rather than spectacular display. 6
Dempsey on the charge
8 Jack Dempsey: Every time he takes to the field he impresses. Surprising that Australian rugby didn’t think that Dempsey brought enough physicality to the game as he’s been a brute in contact for Gregor Townsend’s men. 8
7 Rory Darge: Scored the Scots’ second try but probably not his day at the office. Some good things but he’s had better days. 6
6 Jamie Ritchie (c): Improved as the game went on after a frustrating first half. 7
5 Grant Gilchrist: Never lets Scotland down and was solid in the set-piece, although he doesn’t have the power in the tight of the world’s best second-rows. 7
4 Sam Skinner: Carried plenty without making much ground with ball in hand but, like Gilchrist, his lineout work was good. 6
3 WP Nel: Georgia’s scrum is always perceived as their main weapon but it turned into a weakness as Nel and co. got to work on their opponents. 7
2 Dave Cherry: Had a couple of good carries and was good in lineout and scrum. 7
1 Jamie Bhatti: Beka Gigashvili is an excellent tighthead but Bhatti handled him well and got on top in the set-piece. 7
Replacements: Scotland were already starting to get on top when they brought on the bench, but they made an impressive impact. Ewan Ashman was probably the pick, while Matt Fagerson, Ben Healy and Chris Harris also shone. 8
READ MORE: Scotland find form in second half to seal come-from-behind win over Georgia
The article Scotland player ratings: Duhan van der Merwe the class act as second-half surge sees off Georgia appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
