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Scotland flirt with defeat before overpowering Fiji
Scotland secured a bonus-point victory over Fiji at Murrayfield to close out an impressive summer campaign under Gregor Townsend, but not before flirting with defeat against a Fijian side that looked transformed from the one thrashed by England the previous week. Fiji dominated the first half with power, flair and discipline, while Scotland, fielding 14 changes from the team that faced South Africa, looked sluggish and were outmuscled at the breakdown. The result matters as a strong finish to Scotland's summer tour and a reminder that Fiji, despite inconsistency, remain a dangerous side capable of troubling top-tier opposition.
Scotland won 33-17, with Fiji leading 17-7 at half-time after tries from captain Tevita Ikanivere, wing Selestino Ravutaumada and number eight Elia Canakaivata, against a single early score from Jonny Gray. The match turned in the second half when Townsend's substitutes changed the game entirely: Pierre Schoeman and Scott Cummings both scored soon after coming on, while replacement scrum-half Jamie Dobie crossed twice, and the introduction of Sione Tuipulotu helped Scotland overpower an increasingly tired Fiji side.
In short
- Scotland beat Fiji 33-17 at Murrayfield in the Nations Championship.
- Fiji led at half-time but faded after Scotland's bench impact.
- Jamie Dobie scored twice; Schoeman and Cummings also crossed for Scotland.
Explained simply
Scotland faced Fiji at Murrayfield in the final match of their summer international campaign under coach Gregor Townsend. The campaign represents an important period for the Scottish rugby team to develop and assess their wider squad.
Scotland made 14 changes to their team from their previous match, fielding reserve and younger players in search of competitive test match experience. Fiji brought formidable opposition, having demonstrated they are regularly capable of competing with top-tier rugby nations.
The match represented an opportunity for Scotland to assess their squad depth and emerging talent. It also served as a reminder that Fiji, despite occasional inconsistency, remain dangerous opponents capable of troubling the world's top rugby nations.