Duhan van der Merwe sets record with his 35th try as Scotland crush Tonga 56-0 to finish strong in autumn series,
When the pressure was on and expectations were high, Duhan van der Merwe stepped up in spectacular fashion. In a dominant 56-0 win over Tonga national rugby union team, van der Merwe not only helped propel Scotland national rugby union team to a crushing victory, he also etched his name into the history books as Scotland’s all-time leading try-scorer. This blog post delves into how the milestone unfolded, why it matters for Scotland’s campaign, and what’s next for van der Merwe and the squad.
Scotland’s Statement of Intent
Scotland’s emphatic victory over Tonga was more than just a big win — it was a message.
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Scotland piled up eight tries en route to a 56-0 triumph.
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Tonga’s indiscipline — including a red card and multiple yellow cards — contributed significantly to Scotland’s dominance.
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The win came at home at Murrayfield and gave Scotland momentum after earlier setbacks in the autumn series.
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Crucially, van der Merwe’s try sealed the milestone: his 35th test-try for Scotland, lifting him clear of his predecessor.
This performance underlines Scotland’s attacking potential when they control tempo and discipline — setting the stage for van der Merwe’s record-breaking moment.
Van der Merwe’s Milestone Moment
The try that made history
Van der Merwe’s record-breaking try didn’t come by accident:
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He crossed for his 35th Scotland try just before the hour mark, putting him ahead of Darcy Graham in Scotland’s all-time tryscoring charts.
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His movement, aerial ability and finishing instincts were evident throughout the match and highlighted his evolution as Scotland’s go-to winger.
Why this record matters
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The record for “most tries for Scotland” is a significant benchmark of consistency and excellence at international level.
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For van der Merwe, achieving this milestone elevates his status and boosts his confidence heading into major tournaments.
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From a team perspective, having a talisman like van der Merwe who carries the threat of scoring liberates others and opens up attacking options.
How the Match Unfolded: Key Phases
First half: Setting the tone
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Scotland opened the scoring through tries from Jamie Ritchie, George Turner and Max Williamson before halftime.
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Early Tonga indiscipline — including a red card to Semisi Paea — created the numerical advantage and momentum for Scotland.
Second half: Building a rout
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After the break Scotland quickly built their lead with van der Merwe and others crossing the line.
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Tonga’s discipline issues piled up, leaving gaps Scotland exploited and reinforcing the record-setting moment.
Van der Merwe’s try and the wrap-up
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His try sealed the milestone and came at the perfect time to underline the dominance.
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Scotland finished strong, running in multiple tries and closing out the series on a high.
Implications for Scotland and Beyond
For Scotland: momentum and belief
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The win and van der Merwe’s record inject belief into the squad ahead of tougher fixtures and tournaments.
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Having the leading try-scorer in top form gives Scotland a vital attacking edge.
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The result also provides a morale boost after earlier disappointing performances in the autumn series.
For van der Merwe personally
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Achieving 35 test tries places him firmly among Scotland’s legends and sets a new target for others.
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It raises expectations: both from himself and from the fans — he must now sustain that level.
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It also increases his leadership role: as record-holder, he becomes a figure around whom younger players can rally.
For the competition and Scotland’s future
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Opponents will now be more aware of van der Merwe’s threat — meaning Scotland may need to adjust tactics to maximise his impact.
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The record gives Scotland a clear attacking identity: quick, aerial, dynamic — levered through their wing options and finishing power.
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Looking ahead to tournaments like the Rugby World Cup or the Six Nations Championship, having van der Merwe hitting top form is a serious asset for Scotland’s ambitions.
What Was Working and What Needs Improvement
Strengths on show
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Scotland’s ability to exploit Tonga’s indiscipline created repeated scoring opportunities.
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Van der Merwe’s movement and finishing were top-class.
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The squad showed cohesion and seizing of opportunity when it arose.
Areas to work on
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While the opponent’s red/yellow cards helped shape the game, Scotland will need to deliver similar dominance against disciplined, top-tier sides.
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Consistency remains a concern: Scotland have shown flashes of brilliance but need to maintain high standards against stronger opposition.
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Tactical refinements: van der Merwe’s threat must be optimised — opponents will now plan against him, so Scotland must vary their attack.
Duhan van der Merwe’s achievement as Scotland’s all-time record try-scorer marks a milestone not just for him, but for the team’s trajectory and ambitions. The 56-0 thumping of Tonga showcased Scotland’s attacking potency when everything aligns — discipline, execution, tempo. As Scotland look forward to bigger challenges, the combination of van der Merwe’s finishing ability and the squad’s collective momentum offers genuine cause for optimism. Keywords: van der Merwe record try-scorer, Scotland try scorer, Scotland Tonga thrashing, Scotland national rugby.