Can Scotland continue their summer form in the Autumn Nations Series?

Rugby Thursday October 31, 2024 By: Harry Howes

Having already looked at England, Ireland and Wales, our final Autumn Nations Series preview focuses on Scotland, who have enjoyed a positive summer across the pond.

Gregor Townsend’s side crossed the Atlantic for an American tour that saw them come out on top in all four of their matches, dispatching Canada, the USA, Chile and Uruguay along the way. Their final game saw Duhan van der Merwe make history as he became Scotland’s all-time record try scorer.

The South African-born winger scored his 28th international try in a 31-19 win over Uruguay in Montevideo. It was van der Merwe’s seventh try of 2024 after he scored five in the Six Nations, including a hat-trick against England. Scotland ultimately finished fourth in the competition following wins against Wales and England, who they beat for the fourth time in a row.

They’ll be looking to continue their impressive summer form in the Autumn Nations Series, with four exciting games against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia to look forward to. Townsend has named a 45-man strong squad, including spots for five previously uncapped players.

Who are Scotland playing?

Scotland v Fiji – Saturday 2nd November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

First up for Scotland are Fiji who will be high on confidence after winning the Pacific Nations Cup, beating Japan in the final back in September. They’ll be looking to continue their momentum as they follow up their trip to Edinburgh with games against Wales and Ireland.

Scotland have won eight of their 10 historical meetings with Fiji, although the pair haven’t met since 2018.

Scotland v South Africa – Sunday 10th November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

World champions South Africa make their first Autumn Nations Series appearance against Scotland. The visitors are on fire after winning the World Cup – they’re won eight of their 10 matches so far this year, including a 48-7 drubbing of Argentina in their most recent outing.

Scotland have beaten them just five times in their history and only twice since the 1960s. Their last meeting was at the World Cup last year. Scotland lost 18-3 on that occasion and their result this time will be a good indication of where they’re currently at.

Scotland v Portugal – Saturday 16th November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

Portugal have only played twice since crashing out of the World Cup at the pool stage last year. They beat Namibia back in July before being humbled by South Africa. They don’t have a huge rugby pedigree and have qualified for just two World Cups in their history, never progressing to the knockout stage.

Scotland will be expected to win – the pair have met just twice before, with Scotland winning convincingly both times. The last meeting was 17 years ago at the 2007 World Cup.

Scotland v Australia – Sunday 24th November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

Last but not least for Scotland is a tricky test against Australia, who will have already faced England and Wales. While the Aussies will be the favourites, they’ve surprisingly lost three of their last four games against the Scots.

Australia won the last meeting between the pair by a single point to claim the Hopetoun Cup for the eighth time.

Hospitality at Scotland’s games

Enjoy the action at Scotland’s Autumn Nations Series games from the best seats in the house with Engage’s hospitality packages.

Our areas are located in the Thistle Suite and as well as unrivalled views of the action, you’ll get all of this:

●      A welcome drink

●      Two-course meal including a roast dinner at Scotland v Australia

●      Post-match pie selection

●      Half a bottle of wine per person

●      A signing session from the Scotland players

●      The Doddie Weir Cup and Calcutta Cup on display

●      An interactive rugby quiz

If that’s not enough, you can also make it a family occasion by bringing the kids. Our hospitality areas are child-friendly, with bespoke food menus, as well as exciting activities including face painting and balloon animals.

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Scotland squad

Forwards

Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby), Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors), Gregor Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Craig (Scarlets), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors), Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh Rugby), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby), Patrick Harrison (Edinburgh Rugby), Will Hurd (Leicester Tigers), Ewan Johnson (Oyonnax), Nathan McBeth (Glasgow Warriors), Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton Saints), Ben Muncaster (Edinburgh Rugby), D’Arcy Rae (Edinburgh Rugby), Dylan Richardson (The Sharks), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Samuel (Glasgow Warriors), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby), Rory Sutherland (Glasgow Warriors), Max Williamson (Glasgow Warriors)

Backs

Matt Currie (Edinburgh Rugby), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby), Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Tom Jordan (Glasgow Warriors), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors), Harry Paterson (Edinburgh Rugby), Ali Price (Edinburgh Rugby), Arron Reed (Sale Sharks), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Bath Rugby), Mosese Tuipulotu (Edinburgh Rugby), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby), Ben White (Toulon)

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