Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Euan Booth Robertson

Scotland player ratings: Darcy Graham dazzles as Watson stakes Ireland claim

Scotland produced a clinical display to beat Romania 84-0 in their penultimate Rugby World Cup Pool B clash against Romania. It sets up a decider against Ireland next week, but here's how the players rated in Lille last night.

Ollie Smith - An uncharacteristic dropped ball in the first half but an assured display thereafter. Received a nasty challenge from Marius Simionescu before Matt Fagerson’s try but he was fortunately fine to continue. Scored an incredible individual try as he turned on the afterburners to beat countless Romanian defenders. 7

Darcy Graham - Scintillating display. Graham closed the gap to Stuart Hogg’s try record with a magnificent first-half hat-trick. Highlighted his electric pace and magical feet to leave the beleaguered Romanians dumbfounded.  Commendable selflessness to pass for Price’s try and added his fourth at the death. 10

Chris Harris - Superb performance that hands Gregor Townsend a selection dilemma against Ireland. Harris’ attacking skills were on show and he created Graham’s second and third tries beautifully. Rewarded with a try of his own. 8

Cameron Redpath - Dovetailed brilliantly with partner Harris and their partnership showed significant promise. One of Redpath’s best displays in a Scotland jersey as he carried well to set up a number of tries. Townsend will be delighted by the displays of his two centres. 8

Kyle Steyn - One of only two players to remain from the Tonga win and despite a solid display, Steyn couldn’t match the brilliance of his fellow winger. Graham’s excellence ended any debate over who will start against Ireland but Steyn is a splendid bench option. 7

Ben Healy - Difficult task to replace the talismanic Finn Rusell but showcased his quality. A couple of slack errors failed to cloud an impressive display and his goal-kicking was faultless - 12 conversions from 12. Very solid backup to Russell and he was rewarded with a try. 8 

Ali Price - His dynamism enabled Scotland to play at the necessary high tempo and sent a reminder of what he could offer. Great support running to cap off a slick line-out move to score and he was always sharp around the breakdown. 7

Jamie Bhatti - Didn’t enjoy his best performance. Bhatti suffered a number of handling errors including two costly knock-ons. Scrum wasn’t really under pressure against a weakened Romanian pack but his display won’t put him in contention to face Ireland. 5

Ewan Ashman - His line-out skills weren’t put under intense pressure against Romania but he showed good fitness levels to get around the pitch. His off-the-ball work was important and Ashman’s attitude was exemplary. 6

Jawan Sebastian - Completed his remarkable journey from butcher to international prop on his first World Cup start for Scotland. Sebastian’s strength is his physicality but he even pulled off a brazen dummy pass. 7

Grant Gilchrist  - Almost captained Scotland to their biggest-ever win at the Rugby World Cup but will be pleased with his individual display. Led the Scotland pack as their relentlessness in the first half ended Romanian resolve to the delight of the back-line. 7

Sam Skinner - Solid display from, arguably, one of the most underrated players in the Scotland squad. The line-out has improved since the opening-game defeat to South Africa and Skinner competed well. 6

Luke Crosbie - Dynamic display from the flanker and he showed a willingness to support runners throughout. Won’t be in Townsend’s thoughts to start against Ireland but the Edinburgh flanker will be proud of his performance. 6

Hamish Watson - Looked eager to impress on return and capped an excellent start by showing great energy to score the first try. Watson produced a relentless display in the first half as he covered every blade of grass. Showcased his class on, remarkably, only his second World Cup appearance. Potential starter against Ireland. 8

Matt Fagerson - Assertive. A late try in the first half was just a reward for an imperious performance and he showcased his ball-handling skills with a number of nice passes. 8

Best of rest 

Johnny Matthews - Special moment for the late call-up as he displayed his try-scoring ability. Matthews couldn’t have dreamt of this moment a few weeks ago.

George Horne - Maintained the energy levels of Price and kept Scotland ticking over. 

Blair Kinghorn - Showcased why he’s a first-choice full-back with an excellent break before Matthews' try.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.