Historic Night for Van der Merwe as Scotland Dominate Tonga
Duhan van der Merwe etched his name into Scottish rugby history, becoming the nation's record try-scorer during an emphatic 56-0 victory over Tonga at a rain-swept Murrayfield. The powerful winger's 35th international try propelled him past Edinburgh teammate Darcy Graham at the top of Scotland's all-time scoring charts, providing the standout moment in an eight-try demolition.
Tonga's Disastrous Discipline Proves Costly
The visitors' hopes of a competitive contest evaporated early when back-rower Semisi Paea received a red card in the fifth minute after a bunker review upgraded his initial yellow for a dangerous clearout. Scotland ruthlessly exploited their numerical advantage, scoring three converted tries during Paea's absence.
Jamie Ritchie, making his first appearance of the autumn series, powered through two defenders to open the scoring in the 10th minute. Hooker George Turner then marked his 50th cap with a try, bursting through a gap next to the posts after being fed by Ritchie. The first-half scoring was rounded off by second-rower Max Williamson, who wriggled over from close range in the 23rd minute.
Tonga's discipline completely unravelled as the match progressed, with three further yellow cards shown to Harison Mataele, Taniela Filimone, and Fine Inisi for cynical offences. The constant numerical disadvantages made any form of comeback impossible for the Pacific Islanders.
Record-Breaking Moment Seals Scotland's Dominance
After sustained pressure in the third quarter, Van der Merwe's historic moment arrived in the 59th minute. The winger ran clear to score Scotland's fourth try after good work by substitute George Horne to set him up, sending the Murrayfield crowd into celebrations.
The final quarter saw Scotland add considerable gloss to the scoreline as replacements Ewan Ashman and Horne both scored two tries each against a beleaguered Tongan defence. The comprehensive victory provided some consolation for Gregor Townsend's side after disappointing back-to-back losses against New Zealand and Argentina earlier in the autumn series.
While the result against the world's 19th-ranked team won't erase the pain of those previous defeats, the record-breaking performance from Van der Merwe and the emphatic nature of the victory gives Scottish rugby fans something positive to celebrate as they look ahead to the Six Nations championship.
