Player Ratings: Scotland

Yesterday at 02:18 PM

OPINION: England defeated Scotland in a thrilling affair at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the third round of the Guinness Six Nations, as they collected the Calcutta Cup for the first time in many years.

Jack Tunney rates Scotland players:

15. Blair Kinghorn – 7.5
It was a mixed affair for the Toulouse star. Twice the giant fullback delivered a one-handed pass to an unsuspecting teammate. Firstly it was Kyle Rowe's head, and just moments later it was Dave Cherry's back – neither of which came off. Later a knock-on was caused by his insistence on running with the ball in one hand. He needs to remember he's playing for Scotland here – not Toulouse. Otherwise, it's easy to spot his star quality, but perhaps just needs to work out which wavelength his teammates are on. He did have the most carries out of everyone on that field, and made the most metres…so maybe he should be cut a little slack. Also, his kicking was pretty top-notch.

14. Kyle Rowe – 7.5
The star of the first quarter. Replacing the injured Darcy Graham was never going to be an easy task, but Rowe was more than up to it. Within the opening minutes, he had made a superb take from a high ball to step three opposition players, then knocked his opposite number Ollie Sleightholme onto his backside during the second carry. Later he showed great strength to stop Tom Curry from going over the line in the corner. His second half was much quieter.

13. Huw Jones – 8.5
The Edinburgh centre made another statement to Lions selectors with a terrific all-rounded performance. He took his try well when he forced his way over in the corner. The former Quins star was impenetrable in defence, but his true contribution was demonstrated on the attack, easily stepping onto the outside of the England defence to create space for his wide men.

12. Tom Jordan – 6
Largely invisible for much of the first half and used mainly as a decoy runner, however when he did receive the ball he was impressive – beating a player every in other carry and making over 40 metres with the ball in hand. He will, however, remember taking a long ride along in a Fin Smith tackle.

11. Duhan van der Merwe – 8
The English tormentor did it again. The second-most carries of any player, his first major one took Ollie Lawrence to the cleaners as he stepped on his outside to help set up the first try for Huw Jones. Duhan is a confidence player, and boy was he confident today. Every time he collected the ball the crowd went silent in anticipation of what this man could do. Reminiscent of Jonah Lomu facing England in 1995. The whole rugby world thought he'd sunk English hearts once again with a final-minute try in the corner, but Russell failed to make the points count.

10. Finn Russell – 7
Wonderful from hand, bit off from the boot – although his open play spiral to the corner had to be admired. He grew into the game after a tetchy start. He dictated every passage of Scotland's play as they regularly threatened a worried England defence. Missed the match-winning kick from the touchline.

9. Ben White – 7
The experienced playmaker was brilliant throughout. He controlled the direction of play from minute one and was rewarded early with the first try of the game after running a deft cheat line behind the England defence.

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1. Pierre Schoeman –6.5
He came under fire in the scrum but held his own. Given plenty of work throughout, he used his solid frame to provide excellent cover at the breakdown.

2. Dave Cherry – 7
34-year-old Cheery provided slick hands to put Rowe through the gap early into the first half and remained involved in plenty of Scotland's good play throughout the game. He worked the lineout well and created a solid platform for his team to attack.

3. Zander Fagerson – 6.5
Found his groove in defence and involved himself in multiple aspects of the attack. Like his prop partner, however, he struggled to make many metres with ball in hand.

4. Jonny Gray – 5.5
Used sparingly in the attack and struggled to make metres when he was used. Provided solid cover in defence.

5. Grant Gilchrist – 7
Involved in everything, a true menace in defence as he used his giant frame to thwart the home attack.

6. Jamie Ritchie – 8
Fantastic in the breakdown, causing a vital turnover in the early minutes of the game and continued throughout. Will, however, be smarting after taking a major hit from Ollie Lawrence midway through the first half.

7. Rory Darge – 7
Brutal in the tackle, England couldn't go anywhere without him being involved. Although he didn't contribute much in attack, his efforts in defence were to be admired.

8. Jack Dempsey – 6
The former Wallaby was regularly used off of first-phase possession to create a solid base. Used well but to no spectacular avail.

Replacements – 6

The initial introduction off the bench proved calamitous for the visitors, with their existing rhythm altered, allowing England to gain a foothold in the match. England's replacements proved much more effective, eventually coming away winners by 6 points.

@RugbyPass

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