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Scotland defeat Tonga 37-12 in their final November international

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Scotland defeat Tonga 37-12 in their final November international
NOV 22, 2014 LISTEN

In what was the first international Test to be played on an artificial pitch, Scotland completed their November schedule by avenging the painful memories of the 21-15 home defeat against Tonga two years ago.

Scotland crossed twice in the first half through Blair Cowan and Stuart Hogg, but they reached the interval just 14-12 to the good as Tonga fly-half Latiume Fosita kept them in touch with four successful kicks.

Alex Dunbar, Geoff Cross and Tommy Seymour all went over in the second period as Vern Cotter's men grew in stature during the match in Kilmarnock, eventually running out comfortable victors.

Tonga had seen Nili Latu yellow carded for an infringement before a driving maul allowed Cowan to go over in the 14th minute, but the home side soon found themselves 12-7 down thanks to Fosita.

​Dunbar was then sin-binned for a dangerous tip tackle, but Hogg pounced on a loose ball inside his own 22 and raced the length of the field to touch down to re-establish Scotland's lead.

That was an advantage they would never relinquish, with Dunbar showing great strength to force his way over in the corner seven minutes after the restart.

Two Greig Laidlaw penalties further extended Scotland's lead, before Cross barged his way over from five metres out.

Laidlaw added the extras, and it was left to Seymour to add the finishing touch as Finn Russell's up-and-under was spilled, allowing the winger to follow up and score his third try in as many weeks as Scotland concluded their international series in style.

Following their five tries in a 41-31 win over Argentina, and narrowly losing out 24-16 to New Zealand last week, Scotland can reflect on a promising November campaign as their build up to next year's World Cup continues.

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