Mission accomplished, but with a question mark.
Scotland’s aim when they played Tonga in Nice on Sunday was threefold in nature.
It was obviously to win the match in Group B at this year’s World Cup tournament, to score four tries as quickly as possible to score a bonus point and to sustain as few injuries as possible.
Two of the three have come true, but there is still no certainty about the third.
The Scots nevertheless won 45-17 after leading 24-10 at half-time.
The bonus point was then already in the bag after George Turner, Duhan van der Merwe, Rory Steyn and Rory Darge scored tries before half-time.
In terms of injuries, the Scottish captain, Jamie Ritchie, is off the field after a tackle to the head and was unable to return after failing the concussion test.
Many other Scots were also badly bruised after Tonga sometimes paid them little attention to low-key.
Two players, including winger Afusipa Taumoepeau, were sent off with yellow cards after diving with their head and shoulders.
It’s a shame that Tonga still hasn’t learned to dive lower. This creates a big problem for World Rugby, because players are sent to a so-called diving school to learn to dive low, but Tonga?
That’s why the Springboks will be holding their breath when they play Tonga this coming weekend.
Rest assured that there will be injuries, but hopefully not to key players.
Rest assured that Tonga does not have the necessary firepower to beat the Boks.
Scorers: Scotland 45 (24): Tries: George Turner, Duhan van der Merwe, Kyle Steyn, Rory Darge, George Horne, Blair Kinghorne, Darcy Graham. Goals: Finn Russell (5).
Tonga 17 (10): Tries: Solomon Kata, Ben Taimefuna. Goals: William Havili. Penalty Goal: Havili.
