Scotland vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Final score and result from autumn international
Gregor Townsend’s side were looking to bounce back at Murrayfield from a narrow defeat to Australia last week
Scotland overcame a first-half scare to beat Fiji 28-12 at Murrayfield on Saturday, outscoring their visitors by four tries to two in a tough, physical contest.
George Turner, Adam Hastings, Duhan van der Merwe and Ben White dotted down for the home team with Hastings adding two conversions and his replacement Blair Kinghorn the other pair.
Fiji’s points all came in an impressive first-half showing, from Setariki Tuicuvu and debutant lock Ratu Leone Rotuisolia with a solitary conversion from Vilimoni Botitu.
Scotland’s superior organisation and fitness proved decisive but they had to weather an early onslaught that suggested with more preparation Fiji might have come closer to an upset. They had just days to prepare after only assembling at the start of the week.
Wales vs New Zealand to come - with a late change for the hosts
Action from Cardiff follows the conclusion of this Edinburgh encounter, and there is news of a late change to the Welsh side picked to take on the All Blacks.
Leigh Halfpenny, who has been battling a hamstring injury and barely figured in yesterday’s captain run, has been ruled out, which prompts a reshuffle - Gareth Anscombe slides back from fly-half to fill the starting full-back shirt, with Rhys Priestland now wearing ten. Sam Costelow is in line for a debut from the bench.
H/T: Scotland 14-12 Fiji
Two points in it at the half, which Scotland will very much take. Fiji had the better of large portions of the first 40 minutes, showing their ability to inflict damage in spaces open and tight. Vern Cotter’s side bounced back well from the early yellow card to Ratu Leone Rotuisolia and George Turner’s opening score, with tries from the lock on debut and Setareki Tuicuvu putting them in front.
It’s been a disordered game, with Scotland struggling with their discipline, and Fiji will rue not capitalising on a long spell in Scottish territory around the half-hour mark. That Adam Hastings try feels crucial - but Scotland will have to be better after the interval.
TRY! SCOTLAND 14-12 Fiji (Adam Hastings, 40 minutes)
Adam Hastings sells the dummy and Scotland have that score!
The Scottish scrum vindicate the decision of their captain by earning a penalty advantage. Ali Price chooses the right, passing to Adam Hastings, who flings the wide feint, scurries away from Kalaveti Ravouvou and flops beneath the posts.
His conversion is the final act of the first half - and sends Scotland down the tunnel narrowly in front.
Scotland 7-12 Fiji, 39 minutes
Penalty to Scotland, and a choice to be made - it’s a certain three points, but Jamie Ritchie calls for a scrum. Perfect attacking position, just left of centre, ten metres or so out.
Scotland 7-12 Fiji, 38 minutes
A debut for Fiji - Kini Murimurivalu has been forced off, meaning the ridiculously skilled Sireli Maqala steps in at full back.
A Fijian lineout error gives Scotland attacking ball, though, and a chance at a steadying score before the half.
Scotland 7-12 Fiji, 36 minutes
Space for Duhan van der Merwe, but that is some cover tackle from Albert Tuisue! Big game after big game, Tuisue on the angle gives the long-striding Scotland wing a healthy tonking into touch as Van der Merwe enters the Fijian 22.
Scotland 7-12 Fiji, 35 minutes
Fiji explore the full width of the field, Vilimoni Botitu knoitting everything together with some delicate, deceptive handling. Viliame Mata and Kalaveti Ravouvou are just about coralled, and that’s better from Scotland, remaining in their defensive structure and eventually forcing a kick.
Scotland 7-12 Fiji, 34 minutes
A free kick at the scrum will give Scotland an easy clearance, too, with Stuart Hogg returning as touch is found.
Scotland 7-12 Fiji, 33 minutes
Up the middle trundles Kalaveti Ravouvou, beating one, but Scotland handle him well. Frank Lomani is forced in to seal the ball, and Fiji get themselves in a muddle at the base - knocked on! Chance gone for Fiji; the sighs of relief from the Scottish coaching box almost audible at a close-to silent Murrayfield.
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