Scotland thrash Tonga in eight-try rout to alleviate Gregor Townsend pressure
Scotland destroyed Tonga 56-0 at Murrayfield on Sunday, having suffered a dismal defeat to Argentina previously
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Scotland delivered a comprehensive thrashing of Tonga at Murrayfield on Sunday, securing an emphatic 56-0 victory that showcased the visitors' extraordinary lack of discipline throughout the match.
The hosts capitalised ruthlessly on their opponents' ill-discipline, running in eight tries whilst Tonga struggled to maintain a full complement of players on the pitch.
The Pacific islanders' afternoon was characterised by a succession of cards - four yellows and one red - that left them hopelessly undermanned against a clinical Scottish side.
This dominant performance provided a fitting conclusion to Scotland's autumn international campaign, with the hosts demonstrating their superiority against opponents who simply could not maintain the required discipline at this level.

Scotland did not hold back in their dismantling of Tonga
|REUTERS
The match turned decisively in the sixth minute when Tonga flanker Semisi Paea was penalised for a dangerous clear-out.
Initially shown a yellow card, officials upgraded the punishment to a 20-minute red following review, ending Paea's involvement in the contest.
Scotland exploited their numerical advantage mercilessly. Jamie Ritchie crossed first, followed by George Turner on his milestone 50th cap, and Max Williamson also touched down whilst the visitors were reduced to 14 players.
The early tries established a platform for Scotland's dominance, though the hosts would need patience before adding to their tally as Tonga's defensive efforts temporarily stemmed the flow of points.

Scotland managed eight tries against Tonga
|REUTERS
Tonga's disciplinary woes continued throughout the second half. Winger Taniela Filimone received a yellow card in the 48th minute for a deliberate knock-on, followed ten minutes later by centre Fine Inisi for an identical offence.
Despite their overwhelming advantage, Scotland required patience before extending their lead.
The breakthrough arrived on the hour when Duhan van der Merwe collected an offload and burst through the midfield defence to claim his 35th international try.
This historic score saw the winger surpass teammate Darcy Graham to become Scotland's all-time leading try scorer.
The achievement marked a personal triumph for van der Merwe in their ongoing rivalry for the national record.
Once van der Merwe's milestone try opened the floodgates, Scotland's superiority became overwhelming.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has come under pressure
|REUTERS
Ewan Ashman crossed twice in the closing stages, whilst scrum-half George Horne also claimed a brace to push the hosts beyond fifty points.
The conversions proved equally clinical, with Fergus Burke successfully kicking five and Horne adding three more, including both from his own tries.
This shutout represented Scotland's second consecutive clean sheet, following their victory over the United States earlier in the series. The two comprehensive wins bookended disappointing losses to New Zealand and Argentina, leaving Gregor Townsend's side with a mixed record from their autumn fixtures.

For Tonga, who had not played since August, their rustiness combined with catastrophic discipline made any competitive showing impossible.









