Scotland Dominates US with 85-0 Victory in Murrayfield Test

Scotland showcased an impressive performance on October 7, 2023, decisively defeating the United States with an overwhelming score of 85-0 in a test match at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. The home team scored a remarkable 13 tries, leaving the visitors without any points throughout the contest.

Graham and Dobie’s Hat-Tricks Lead the Charge

Darcy Graham and Jamie Dobie each recorded hat-tricks, contributing significantly to Scotland’s dominant display. Duhan van der Merwe added two more tries, while Dylan Richardson, Kyle Rowe, captain Stafford McDowall, George Horne, and Ollie Smith also found the try line in a match characterized by the hosts’ relentless offensive strategy.

The scoring began early, with Richardson opening the account just five minutes into the game. Scotland quickly established control, with Van der Merwe and Graham both crossing for tries soon after. The competition for the title of Scotland’s record try scorer heated up, as Graham entered the match one try behind Van der Merwe, who was celebrating his 50th cap. By the end of the match, both players had scored 34 tries for Scotland, solidifying their status in the national team’s history.

Scotland’s first-half performance was particularly strong, as they secured seven tries before halftime. Coach Gregor Townsend opted to make several substitutions during the break, but the team maintained their momentum, adding six more tries in the second half. Dobie’s transition from scrumhalf to wing proved successful, culminating in his third try of the match.

Although Scotland fell short of their record victory of 100-8 against Japan in 2004, the match reflected their offensive prowess and strategic execution.

Looking Ahead: A Tough Challenge Awaits

Next week, Scotland will face a significantly tougher opponent when they take on New Zealand at Murrayfield. This upcoming match will allow Scotland to field players from both English and French clubs, potentially enhancing their squad strength. The team will need to build on their recent success to compete effectively against one of the world’s leading rugby nations.

The emphatic win against the United States not only boosts Scotland’s confidence but also sets the stage for a critical encounter that could impact their standing in international rugby.