Ewan Ashman grabs hat-trick as Scotland power past USA

Ewan Ashman grabbed a hat-trick of tries as Duhan van der Merwe equalled the Scottish try-scoring record in a 42-7 victory over the USA in Washington.

Hooker Ashman touched down three times from rolling mauls in the first half as Scotland took command.

A scrappy second half, not helped by damp, muggy conditions, meant Scotland fell short of a repeat of last week’s 11 try-effort against Canada, but Scotland added two more scores to complete a comfortable win.

Van der Merwe needed just six minutes to equal Stuart Hogg’s record of 27 tries for Scotland, timing his run to take Adam Hastings’ popped pass and coasting over.

Hastings converted and added the extras for each of Ashman’s treble – all of which came at the back of rolling mauls from lineouts as they opened a 28-7 lead at the break.

The USA grabbed a try of their own in the midst of Ashman’s scoring spell, centre Tommaso Boni going over despite prop David Ainu’u being in the sin bin for a breakdown offence just moments after the hosts had been warned for repeat infringements.

Bristol outside-half AJ MacGinty converted, but was off target with two penalty attempts.

Scotland stretched their advantage 10 minutes into the second half, scrum-half George Horne racing in after getting on the end of Kyle Rowe’s break. Hastings added the conversion.

Stubborn home defence and increasing scrappiness in the testing conditions halted the scoring until Matt Fagerson touched down six minutes from time at the back of a dominant Scottish scrum, Ross Thompson completing the scoring with the conversion.