Following the conclusion of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, we update you on the state of the participating nations. Next up, it’s Gregor Townsend’s Scotland.

Much has been said and written about this so-called golden generation of players but again there is a feeling of disappointment after another block of internationals.

In the summer the British & Irish Lion-less Scots beat Samoa, lost to Fiji and ended their visit to New Zealand and Fiji with a narrow victory over the Maori All Blacks. That was a middle of the road return for Townsend and his men but the tour was a good opportunity to gain depth in certain areas while their stars were in Australia.

What followed was puzzling as in October, head coach Townsend took on an advisory role at Prem side Newcastle Red Bulls, which felt like a move that would open him up for criticism if Scotland continued not to hit the heights many fans believe they should. Rightly or wrongly the decision was going to create unnecessary attention.

The scale of that off-field noise is of course largely dependent on on-field form and unfortunately it was another year that Scotland could not reach the next level.

Autumn Nations Series summary

It was USA first up for Scotland and boy did they make light work of the Eagles, running out 85-0 victors thanks to a 13-try effort that was led by hat-tricks apiece for Darcy Graham and Jamie Dobie. The perfect start for Townsend as his troops ahead of tougher games to come and a real confidence booster moving into those matches.

The first real test of the autumn came against the All Blacks and it was one that got away from Townsend’s outfit, despite a sluggish start that saw them trail 17-0.

Admirably Scotland launched a stunning fightback to make it 17-14 and then had huge chances to cross through Ben White and wing Graham but they went begging. Russell did level matters off the tee on the hour but those missed opportunities came back to haunt them late on when Damian McKenzie crossed and then slotted a penalty.

A chance to bounce back came around fast as a dangerous Los Pumas side arrived at Murrayfield in a year they had defeated all the southern hemisphere’s big dogs.

Still though Scotland would go into the game as slight favourites and they more than lived up to that billing when racing to a 21-0 lead on 45 minutes, thanks to tries from Jack Dempsey and the bulldozing Ewan Ashman (2). They looked to be purring and heading to a much-needed home triumph over a high quality Los Pumas outfit.

However, disaster struck on 57 minutes when a stray Finn Russell pass in Argentina’s 22 led to the visitors scoring a breakaway try. The rest is painful history for the Scots as four further crossings from Felipe Contepomi’s team in the final quarter – three of those coming in the last 10 minutes – secured a highly unlikely away success.

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Scotland were on their knees after that loss and the pressure was mounting on boss Townsend who had to face the wrath of the media in the immediate aftermath. Fortunately, there was a final Test match to possibly bury some of the disappointment of New Zealand and Argentina, with Tonga last up and were easily brushed aside.

Aided by an early 20-minute red card for Semisi Paea, the hosts capitalised and eventually ran out 56-0 winners, crossing the try-line eight times in an emphatic victory that at least gave their fans some reason to cheer. However, 2025 signs off with more than a feeling of what if after Six Nations and autumn disappointments.

Standout players

Five tries in three matches immediately jumps out as Ewan Ashman impressed at the coalface and would get on the board against the All Blacks, Argentina and Tonga. He was a rock as a carrier and found joy at the tail of the Scottish maul, with the 25-year-old certainly nailing down the number two jersey for the long-term.

Elsewhere, there were decent moments from Darcy Graham, Sione Tuipulotu and Jack Dempsey, while Jamie Dobie again proved himself an able deputy to White. Elsewhere, George Horne had profitable outings against the USA and Tonga, racking up an incredible 31 points in just 53 minutes off Scotland’s bench.

Stat leaders

Staying with Horne and over the past 12 months of Test rugby he’s an impressive 90.9% kicking success rate after succeeding with 10 out of 11 attempts at goal. He was unlucky not to feature in the blockbuster autumn games and must surely be knocking on the door of Townsend, although White and Dobie are a high class duo.

Another player mentioned above is that man Ashman who led the way in terms of tries this year for Scotland, crossing six times in 10 games and beating the Scots’ all-time leading scorers Graham and Duhan van der Merwe (both five). Graham also had nine try involvements while Van der Merwe beat 39 defenders in eight Tests.

Other stat leaders include Blair Kinghorn (109 carries for 1040 metres and 31 defenders beaten), Grant Gilchrist (38 lineout wins) and Rory Darge (13 dominant hits).

Success story

One could shine a light on how they swept aside both the USA and Tonga with ease and nilled them in the process but even the most positive Scotland fan will point out those were not the games in November that mattered. Perhaps that’s harsh as credit where it’s due, they were both ruthless showings to bookend the Scots’ autumn.

Ashman’s form was also a positive to take while that bold decision to drop Van der Merwe for Kyle Steyn was vindicated as the latter proved what a solid option he is.

Main regret

There’s no hiding from it, is there? Those losses to New Zealand and Argentina were bitter pills to swallow as the Scots had both matches in the palm of their hands.

Unfortunately, it has become an all too familiar feeling for Scotland fans, players and the coaches and putting their finger on why they can’t take the next step as a team is a mystery. The talent is certainly there, it is just locking in for 80 minutes, eradicating avoidable errors and producing on a consistent basis that is elusive.

Results

Scotland v USA (Scotland won 85-0)

Scotland v New Zealand (New Zealand won 25-17)

Scotland v Argentina (Argentina won 33-24)

Scotland v Tonga (Scotland won 56-0)

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