Scotland emerged victorious over the USA Eagles with a commanding 42-7 win in muggy and humid conditions at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
From the start, Scotland were able to assert their dominance after a series of penalties gave them the territory for Duhan van der Merwe to open the scoring in just the 6th minute. Taking advantage of a defensive gap that Adam Hasting fed him into, the big winger showcased the usual speed and power to claim a try that meant he equalled Stuart Hogg as Scotland’s record try scorer. Hastings, returning to the team after a long absence, also converted.
Those expecting a procession for Duhan into the outright lead in the try-scoring record books would have been disappointed by what followed, as the winger struggled for work after that and would not get another try.
On the other hand hooker Ewan Ashman quickly became a key figure in the game, scoring his first try in the 19th minute through a well-executed rolling maul, a strategy that would prove highly effective throughout the match with the Americans unable to stop it, as was proved again in the 27th minute when he added his second – he had a hat-trick of them before half-time. Reliable kicking from Hastings ensured that Scotland extended their lead significantly without reply.
The USA responded before half-time when former Italy centre Tommaso Boni broke through the Scottish defence to score the Eagles’ sole try on a short batter, converted by AJ MacGinty.
Half-time: USA 7-28 Scotland
Despite the challenging conditions, with humid and wet weather affecting ball handling and nothing like the slick handling of last weekend, Scotland maintained their momentum into the second half.
George Horne added to the scoreboard in the 50th minute with the pick of Scotland’s tries, supporting a line break by Kyle Rowe and popping up on the shoulder as he so often does for an easy run in. This try highlighted Scotland’s ability to create and exploit gaps with slick passing and support play, but it was not evident for large periods of the match. Scotland almost had another created by Rowe who sent a well-weighted grubber to the US line but fellow Kyle Steyn was unable to gather it and drop over for the score, to his visible frustration.
Matt Fagerson sealed the match for Scotland with a try in the 74th minute, following a series of sustained attacks on the dogged American defence. Hastings and Ross Thompson’s conversions throughout the game ensured that Scotland maximized scoring opportunities, with Thompson converting Fagerson’s try to bring the final score to 42-7.
Throughout the match, Scotland’s forwards were particularly effective, dominating the set pieces and utilizing the rolling maul to great effect. Murphy Walker provided some useful pep to the scrum when he came on.
The USA’s defensive efforts, although spirited, were often overwhelmed by Scotland’s structured and relentless attacking play. The Eagles’ scrum showed moments of strength, but they struggled to maintain consistency against the well-drilled Scottish pack.
In better handling conditions and Scotland concentrating a little harder from scrum-half out, it could have been a drubbing of the size dished out to Canada. As such, it was not such an exciting spectacle of attacking rugby; workmanlike might be the best description.
This match was a clear indicator of the challenges and areas for improvement for the USA, aligning with the broader goals of increasing the sport’s visibility and engagement there in the lead-up to potential World Cup hosting duties in 2031 and 2033 (this may be a moot point should an incoming president burn the whole planet to the ground).
For Scotland, the victory was a reaffirmation of their depth and capability compared to a sleeping rugby behemoth such as the Tier 2 USA – and revenge for Townsend’s shock loss there in 2018 – but it is unclear what, if any, lessons can be learned for Scotland who will face the brutally physical South Africa in the autumn.
SRBlog Player of the Match: Kyle Rowe played very effectively at the back, but this one was decided up front with the USA unable to cope with the Scottish defensive and forward play. Ewan Ashman picks it up for his hat-trick, but it was a team effort.
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