Darcy Graham scored four tries for the second time in two seasons as Scotland ran rampant against Fiji at Murrayfield to secure a 57 – 17 win.
Following an initial feeling-out process between the two sides, Scotland kicked into overdrive, scoring four in just over ten minutes to race into a 26 – 0 lead.
Aided by two Fijian yellow cards, Scotland looked comfortable as the half-hour mark approached, only to see hooker Ewan Ashman a yellow card.
Now up a man for the first time in the half, Fiji would strike for their first score of the match as fullback Isaih Armstrong-Ravula pounced for a try.
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Scotland would settle their nerves minutes later as flyhalf Adam Hastings drilled a penalty to give the home side a pep in their step heading into the break.
Or at least this was how it initially appeared before Fiji stole a march on their hosts with a try four minutes into added time to hit double digits heading to the break as backrow Meli Derenalagi burrowed over.
Coming out hot in the second half, the Fijians scored their third try, and Derenalagi got his second in the match.
Appearing to poke the bear with this score, Derenalagi’s effort would be the final piece of positivity for his side as Scotland ran in four unanswered tries through Graham (2), Duhan van der Merwe and Huw Jones.
These scores added some gloss to what was a strong but not perfect showing from Gregor Townsend’s side, who will be well aware of the challenges that lay ahead.
On the whole, Scotland will be happy with their evening, with the squad having competition across the board for places in a way unlike any we have seen since Townsend took over.
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