Scotland suffered a disappointing defeat against Fiji, losing 29-14 in a match marked by ill-discipline and a red card for winger Darcy Graham. The game took place at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where Scotland aimed to secure a better position for the upcoming World Cup draw. The defeat puts a significant dent in their hopes of moving into the top six of the world rankings.
Scotland started the match on a high note, taking a 7-0 lead just four minutes in. Graham set up full-back Kyle Rowe, who scored the first try, with debutant fly-half Fergus Burke successfully converting. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Scotland’s discipline faltered, beginning with a yellow card issued to hooker Ewan Ashman in the eighth minute.
Despite being down to 14 players, Scotland managed to hold their ground until a penalty from Fiji’s Caleb Muntz reduced the deficit. Graham’s sin-bin incident, which resulted from a tackle on a player without the ball, proved pivotal. Shortly after his departure, Tevita Ikanivere scored Fiji’s first try, and the hosts extended their lead when Kalaveti Ravouvou crossed the line after a well-executed set piece. Muntz converted, sending Fiji into halftime with a 15-7 advantage.
Scotland fought back shortly after the restart, with Tom Jordan scoring a try following an Ashman break. Burke’s conversion brought Scotland within a point of Fiji. Yet, the match took another turn when Jiuta Wainiqolo scored a try for Fiji in the 59th minute, with Muntz again adding the conversion.
The game reached a critical moment when Fiji was awarded a penalty try, leading to Graham receiving a second yellow card, which resulted in his dismissal from the match. With Scotland reduced to 14 players and their hopes dashed, Fiji maintained control, concluding the game with a 29-14 victory.
Scotland’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, will need to address the team’s discipline issues ahead of future matches, particularly as they prepare for the next World Cup in 2027. The loss against Fiji marks a challenging setback, especially considering Scotland’s aspirations to improve their world ranking.
