Darcy Graham tied the Scots’ try record with his 29th career point; Aaron Reed doubled his quickfire second-half lead as Scotland made it two wins from three at the Autumn Nations; Gregor Townsend’s men are sloppy at times but register nine tries. Scotland close the campaign against Australia next Sunday
Last updated: 16/11/24 18:07
Scotland scored nine tries, including Darcy Graham’s record equaliser, as they beat Portugal 59-21 at Murrayfield, with teenager Freddie Douglas becoming their youngest player since 1963.
Full-back Douglas, 19, came on in the last 15 minutes to make his first appearance in the sport, having yet to play a club game for Edinburgh’s first team.
Wing Aaron Reed scored in the second half, while Graham, Will Hurd, Stafford McDowall, Josh Bayliss, Jamie Bhatti and Jamie Dobbie were also on target in addition to the penalty.
Graham landed after spinning the Portugal defense to match Duhan van der Merwe’s record of 29 Scottish tries.
The hosts were sloppy at times, their formation a cause for concern and they conceded three tries as Luka Begic, Rafael Storti and Samuel Marquez scored for Portugal.
But Gregor Townsend’s men dazzled in attack and have now made it two wins from three at the Autumn Nations after opening round victory over Fiji after defeat by world champions South Africa.
Scotland finish their campaign at home to Australia next Sunday before turning their attention to their Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday 1 February.
Scotland face a successful Portugal at Murrayfield
Heard scored Scotland’s opening try after just four minutes, while McDowall, captain of the day, latched on to Storti’s loose pass to score his second.
Portugal’s difficult start continued when they conceded a penalty in the 27th minute after Duarte Torgal was penalized and sin-binned for a deliberate tackle.
In Thorgall’s absence, Graham waltzed effortlessly past three Portuguese players to score, while Bayliss then crossed down the right for Scotland’s fifth try after great play from Tom Jordan and Rory Hutchinson.
Portugal eventually got off the mark in the final act of the first half, through a hooker from Begic, only for Bhatti to head in and reassert Scotland’s dominance four minutes into the second half.
Portugal refused to capitulate and Marquez went over after a scramble in the 55th minute before adding the conversion.
Reid then put daylight between the teams with tries down the left before Portugal scored their third try when Storti missed on the right and darted wide.
Scotland flexed their muscles again in the 73rd minute when substitute defender Dobie went over the line.