The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Player ratings
STUART HOGG: The full-back chose his moments to kick to perfection, none more so than with his huge 40-yard drop goal. 8
DARCY GRAHAM: The Edinburgh wing was a bundle of energy on a night when Scotland had to be at their best. 7
CHRIS HARRIS: Given the nod over Duncan Taylor and did not disappoint with some meaty carries. 6
SAM JOHNSON: Struggled to keep a grip of the ball amid the sweaty conditions but made up for his mistakes with some solid defence. 5
SEAN MAITLAND: Did brilliantly to collect Finn Russell’s cross-field kick to dot down the opening try and was only denied a second by Ed Fidow’s illegal tackle at the end. 7
FINN RUSSELL: Produced two moments of magic to create the first two tries but threw in the odd mistake to take the shine off his display. 7
GREIG LAIDLAW: Off the beat with his kicking game at times but kept his feet to get across the line for his side’s second touchdown. 5
ALLAN DELL: The London Irish loosehead prop lasted just 12 minutes before trudging off with a head knock. 5 STUART MCINALLY: The skipper was under pressure to lead his men to a big victory after last week’s Irish shocker and led by example with some big carries. 7
WP NEL: Quieter game than last week in Yokohama, when he was one of the few to emerge with credit, but really put the Samoans to the sword at the scrum. 6
GRANT GILCHRIST: The Edinburgh lock carried effectively in midfield and was a solid operator when it came to the lineout. 6
JONNY GRAY: Did brilliantly to stack up his usual high tackle count amid searing temperatures but failed to make much ground in the loose. 6
MAGNUS BRADBURY: Made the most of his late call-up to the squad with an impressive display as he took the fight to the Pacific Islanders’ big men. 7
JAMIE RITCHIE: Given the task of filling in for the injured Hamish Watson at openside but did Gregor Townsend proud with an assured display. 7
BLADE THOMSON: An outstanding display from the Scarlets number eight as he consistently made ground with the ball in hand. 8 Replacements: Gordon Reid came on early for the injured Dell and won an important scrum penalty
Fraser Brown replaced Mcinally early in the second half and played a vital role in winning Scotland’s first penalty try. Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Ryan Wilson George Horne, Adam Hastings, Duncan Taylor all made second half appearances.