Darcy Graham: Finn Russell on why Scotland team-mate was ‘gutted’ despite four-try display on international return

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Finn Russell said Darcy Graham was "gutted" to miss the chance to add to his four-try haul against Fiji, as the winger duels Duhan van der Merwe for Scotland's all-time try-scoring record. The Edinburgh star was taken off with 14 minutes remaining and failed an HIA, putting his inclusion for the visit of South Africa to Murrayfield in doubt. Graham is one try behind fellow winger Van der Merwe.

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Gregor Townsend and Finn Russell lavished praise on four-try Darcy Graham as Scotland demolished Fiji 57-17 at Murrayfield.

Townsend will be hoping the Edinburgh winger, who won his first international cap in over a year on Saturday, passes his HIA tests this week with South Africa next up in the Autumn Nations Series.

The 27-year-old failed his initial head injury assessment when he was replaced in the 66th minute by Stafford McDowall.

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And Townsend knows how important Graham’s inclusion could be against the back-to-back world champions on Sunday, November 10, particularly at a revved-up Murrayfield.

“How good was that?” said Townsend on Graham’s four-try haul. “He’s so good in the Scotland jersey and especially at Murrayfield. He just responds to the crowd.

“And they weren’t easy chances. He had to bounce through a few tackles, show real skill at times and toughness.

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“We just hope he recovers well and he’s available for selection next week.”

Graham has struggled with injuries over the last 12 months: problems with his hip, quad and groin saw him make just four appearances for Edinburgh last season.

But his immediate whitewash-crossing exploits brought him temporarily level with Duhan van der Merwe at the top of Scotland’s all-time top try-scorers list.

The South Africa-born winger reclaimed top spot with Graham off the field and Huw Jones completed the rout with just over a minute to play.

Former Scotland captain Russell told TNT Sports that Graham was “gutted” to miss the final quarter of an hour, which could have seen him run in a fifth record-equalling try.

“It’s great to see him back after almost a year out with that kind of performance tonight,” said Russell.

“Darcy equalled him when he got his fourth try and then Duhan [van der Merwe] obviously scored again and I think Shuggy [Huw Jones] scored in the corner over here and Darcy wasn’t happy.

“He said that should have been his try had he not gone off with the HIA. So he’s a bit gutted about that, but I’m sure he’s got plenty of time ahead of him to catch him.

“Darcy’s footwork is so good and for a small guy he’s really powerful. He got a shot in the first half and I thought he was down for a little bit, but he’s one of these guys who takes the shots and rides them well.

“He’s such a good player and a great guy. He’ll be smiling for the next week. So hopefully he passes his HIA and he’s all good for next weekend.”

Highlights: Graham marks international return with four tries as Scotland rout Fiji

Video credit: TNT Sports

Townsend noted that Graham needs to pass two upcoming HIAs to be passed fit for the clash against South Africa, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

And Graham said he was “excited” to welcome the Springboks to the capital.

“It was good to get back out there, back in the blue jersey and the fans were awesome tonight again. I’m just proud to pull on this jersey once again,” Graham told TNT Sports.

“I think we’ll reset and then train for South Africa. We know what’s coming. They’re unbelievable so it’s going to be a tough old game, but we’re excited to get them here.”

Stream the 2024 Autumn Nations Series on TNT Sports and discovery+

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