How Scotland players rated against Georgia’s big-hitters

Exhibited brave and skilful fielding of high balls, sure in his tackling and with a keen eye for a break, but suffered from indecision at times and handling errors, too. 6/10

14 MAX EVANS

Rare game in which the tricky winger saw little of the ball, but he was strong in defence and eager when possession did come his way. 6

13 NICK DE LUCA

Made an impact in most tackles against the big hitters with strength and conviction, and while he had fewer chances to shine in attack he still provided lively presence. 7

12 GRAEME MORRISON

Marshalled the defence superbly to leave Georgia with no gaps to exploit, and had a strong presence both in defence and going forward in this fine return to the starting line-up. 7

11 SEAN LAMONT

Quick and hard-hitting in defence, good under the high ball and an eager presence in attack, but had few opportunities to make a mark out wide in the way that he provided a real threat in midfield against Romania on Saturday . 6

10 DAN PARKS

His points and controlling influence were crucial in securing victory, and although he missed three goal-kicks and had the odd lapse – most notably his failed kick to touch before half-time which put Scotland under unnecessary pressure – he stuck to the task in defence against big men and delivered great touch-finders in key battle for territory. 6

9 RORY LAWSON

Provided a first-class link between the forwards and the backs and kept a flow of ball to Parks as part of the game-plan. His superb ruck clear-out in the second half typified his commitment. Scotland have not lost a game under his stewardship. 6

1 ALLAN JACOBSEN

One of his best games in a Scotland jersey, “Chunk” was immense against two Georgian tightheads rated among the best in the French Top 14 and still had the energy to make a significant impact in loose. 8

2 ROSS FORD

Called in on the eve of the game for the injured Scott Lawson, who had a calf problem, the hooker contributed to a massive set-piece effort, but also was a big-hitter in defence and performed great work in the tight exchanges. 8

3 EUAN MURRAY

Tighthead underlined the value of experience with a strong display against a highly rated pack, anchoring a solid scrummage performance, tackling with punch and showing up well in attack. 8

4 NATHAN HINES

The veteran lock showed all of his skills with a hard-working shift at the coalface, tackling and off-loading well, making hard yards with great commitment and halting Georgia’s progress in mauls. 8

5 JIM HAMILTON

Arguably his best performance for Scotland, the lock ran the lineout well, defended with steel, took Georgian punches and kicks without concern and was a visible presence in the loose. 8

6 ALASDAIR STROKOSCH

Brought added punch to the back row with a strong defensive display – other than a first-half missed tackle – and a bristling attacking performance that kept Scotland in the Georgian faces. 8

7 ROSS RENNIE

The flanker stepped up the pressure on John Barclay for the No 7 shirt with some excellent work at the breakdown, solid defence and terrific alacrity in attack. 8

8 KELLY BROWN

Magnificent all-round performance from a player maturing like a fine wine. Hard in the tackle, secure in the scrum and lineout, and aggressive on the charge. An inspirational presence. 8

Substitutes

19 RICHIE GRAY

(for Hines 70mins)

It was a poor introduction for the young lock, immediately missing the restart and conceding a penalty which Georgia knocked over, but he was solid in the final stages.

22 CHRIS PATERSON

(for R Lamont 70mins)

Little to do as Scotland closed up the game to secure victory.

Not used: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Geoff Cross, 18 Alastair Dickinson, 20 Richie Vernon, 21 Chris Cusiter.

RATINGS BY DAVID FERGUSON