Scotland vs. USA Rugby: A Historic Clash

In the opening round of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, Scotland delivered a stunning performance, defeating USA Rugby 85–0 at the iconic Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. This remarkable victory marks Scotland’s largest-ever win margin in international rugby, a testament to their explosive capabilities on the pitch.

A Dominant Display from Scotland

From the moment the whistle was blown, the world No. 8 team showcased their skill and tenacity. They scored three tries within the first five minutes, setting a relentless pace that the 15th-ranked Eagles struggled to keep up with. By halftime, Scotland had amassed a staggering 45 points, leaving the Americans without a single score on the board.

Key Players in Action

Darcy Graham stole the spotlight with a hat trick, while captain Stafford McDowall added a crucial try to lead his team. Jamie Dobie, named the player of the match, captained a fluid Scottish attack that continuously exploited gaps in the U.S. defense.

Despite the Eagles’ efforts to rally and slow Scotland’s onslaught in the second half, they could not manage to secure any points. The Scots registered six more tries, bringing their total to 13, while USA Rugby missed an alarming 40 tackles, unable to maintain possession against Scotland’s precision gameplay.

Statistical Breakdown

The statistics of the match underline the dominance Scotland exhibited throughout the game:

• Final Score: Scotland 85 – 0 USA
• Tries: Scotland 13 – 0 USA
• Conversions: Scotland 10 – 0 USA
• Possession: Scotland 58% – 42% USA
• Carries: Scotland 142 – 62 USA
• Meters Made: Scotland 1,222 – 288 USA
• Line Breaks: Scotland 21 – 1 USA
• Tackles Made: Scotland 82 – 137 USA
• Missed Tackles: Scotland 5 – 40 USA

These figures vividly illustrate the unrelenting pressure Scotland placed on the Americans.

Game Highlights

First Half Highlights

• 5th Minute: Scotland set the tone early; Dylan Richardson scores the first try, followed by a successful conversion from Adam Hastings.

• 6th Minute: Duhan van der Merwe quickly adds a second try, with Hastings converting once more.

• 9th Minute: Darcy Graham makes it three tries in quick succession, showcasing Scotland’s electric start, now leading 21-0.

• 27th Minute: Jamie Dobie finds the try zone, followed shortly by another from Graham, bringing the first-half score to 45-0.

Second Half Highlights

• 44th Minute: Graham kicks off the second half with another try, marking his hat trick and increasing the score to 50-0.

• 70th Minute: Captain McDowall scores the tenth try, solidifying Scotland’s crushing domination.

• 80th Minute: Ollie Smith completes the scoring frenzy with Scotland’s thirteenth and final try as the match concludes with an awe-inspiring 85-0 scoreline.

The Road Ahead for Both Teams

For Scotland, this victory serves as a spectacular start to their Autumn Nations campaign, casting a spotlight on their high aspirations for the series. The USA, on the other hand, must regroup and reevaluate their strategies moving forward. This performance stands as a humbling benchmark against elite competition.

Previous Encounters

This match further cements Scotland’s dominance in encounters with the USA, following their 42–7 victory in the previous year. The lone outlier remains the memorable upset in 2018, where the USA surprised many with a narrow 30–29 win.

Watch the Action

Fans looking to relive the action can catch future matches of the Autumn Nations Series, broadcast across various platforms like Peacock in the USA and TNT Sports in the UK. The series promises further thrilling showdowns that will keep rugby enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

Lineups for Scotland and USA Rugby

Scotland’s Starting Lineup:

1. Rory Sutherland
2. Patrick Harrison
3. D’Arcy Rae
4. Scott Cummings
5. Marshall Sykes
6. Liam McConnell
7. Dylan Richardson
8. Jack Dempsey
9. Jamie Dobie
10. Adam Hastings
11. Duhan van der Merwe
12. Stafford McDowall
13. Ollie Smith
14. Darcy Graham
15. Kyle Rowe

USA Rugby Starting Lineup:

1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth
2. Kaleb Geiger
3. Pono Davis
4. Marno Redelinghuys
5. Jason Damm
6. Vili Helu
7. Cory Daniel
8. Paddy Ryan
9. Ruben de Haas
10. Chris Hilsenbeck
11. Toby Fricker
12. Tommaso Boni
13. Dominic Besag
14. Mitch Wilson
15. Erich Storti

As both teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, fans eagerly await the emergence of future stars from each nation and the promise of compelling rugby action.