Scotland loved a formidable successful finish to the yr by halting Australia’s hopes of an Autumn Nation Collection Grand Slam with a robust 27-13 victory at Murrayfield.
Captain Sione Tuipulotu (22′), Duhan van der Merwe (51′) – who once more moved forward of team-mate Darcy Graham as his nation’s main scorer along with his thirtieth attempt – Josh Bayliss (67′) and Finn Russell (71′) ensured there could be no repeat of the 37-12 triumph which sealed the Grand Slam in opposition to the Scots 40 years in the past earlier than Harry Potter grabbed a comfort attempt for the Wallabies with 5 minutes remaining.
In fact, Scotland might have received by extra as they handed up a number of probabilities to extend their lead by opting in opposition to taking straightforward factors from penalties, but it surely is a perfect assertion win, their fourth in opposition to the Wallabies of their previous 5 matches, forward of the Six Nations marketing campaign which kicks off on February 1.
They host Italy of their match opener in entrance of one other expectant 67,000 sell-out crowd at Murrayfield.
Australia misplaced gifted centre Joseph Sua’ali’i to a suspected damaged wrist within the first half, and should regroup earlier than they fly to Dublin for Schmidt’s reunion with Eire on the ultimate leg of their European tour on Saturday.
Speaking Level: Scotland outclass Australia with out discovering peak kind
Essentially the most spectacular side of Scotland’s newest win over the Wallabies was the style of it. They performed effectively inside themselves for giant elements of the match but nonetheless ran out snug winners.
Once they take inventory to analyse this match, they may realise they left loads of factors on the Murrayfield pitch because the guests struggled to deal with the tempo and sharpness of the Scottish backs and the muscle of their forwards.
Can they elevate their ranges to compete with France and Eire within the Six Nations? That should be the following goal for such a gifted squad.
“I believe there’s lots extra within the tank for Scotland,” mentioned former Scotland flanker John Barclay on TNT Sports activities. “What actually inspired me, throughout the construct as much as this week, was Scotland embracing the truth that they needed to win at the moment, and so they did it effectively, they did it emphatically.
“When the sport opened up, we noticed them bizarrely discover extra of their construction and so they grew to become stronger. That is an thrilling Scotland workforce, an thrilling workforce to observe.”
“As all the time, they are going to be judged on how they carry out within the Six Nations. The massive problem for Sione Tuipulotu and Finn Russell is how can they take this sense, and carry it by way of to that match in February and March subsequent yr.”
Participant of the Match: Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Loads of candidates for the award all around the pitch with the excellent Russell, Van der Merwe and Zander Fagerson producing wonderful performances, however Kinghorn proved an actual handful for the Wallabies in constructing the link-up play to permit Graham and Huw Jones to flourish. A pleasant help to spherical off a memorable day for his inventive abilities.
“We needed to finish the yr on a excessive,” he mentioned on TNT Sports activities. “Having produced efficiency in opposition to South Africa, we knew we might have completed higher. To finish the yr on a excessive in entrance of our dwelling followers is wonderful.
“It was a bodily recreation. We made it a bit bit clunky in elements, however we introduced out attacking recreation in that second half and scored some very nice tries.”
Participant Rankings
Scotland: Pierre Schoeman 7, Ewan Ashman 7, Zander Fagerson 8; Grant Gilchrist 8, Scott Cummings 7; Jamie Ritchie 7, Rory Darge 7, Matt Fagerson 7, Ben White 8, Finn Russell 8; Duhan van der Merwe 8, Sione Tuipulotu 8, Huw Jones 7, Darcy Graham 7; 15 Blair Kinghorn 8
Australia: Angus Bell 7, Brandon Paenga-Amosa 6, Allan Alaalatoa 6; 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 6, Will Skelton 7; Rob Valetini 7, Carlo Tizzano 7, Harry Wilson 7; Jake Gordon 7, Noah Lolesio 7; Harry Potter 7, Len Ikitau 7, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i 6, Andrew Kellaway 6; Tom Wright 6
Match Highlights
22′ TRY! SCOTLAND 7-3 AUSTRALIA And abruptly Murrayfield is bouncing as captain Sione Tuipulotu races by way of the visiting defence from a line-out for Scotland to seize the lead with a beautiful rating earlier than Russell provides the conversion.
31′ A BLOW FOR AUSTRALIA! Unhealthy information for the guests as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is compelled to depart for a examine after he collided with Sione Tuipulotu. Regarded like a blow to the top. Russell actually coming to the fore as Scotland press again the Wallabies.
51′ TRY! SCOTLAND 17-6 AUSTRALIA Excellent piece of rampant play by Scotland after so many phases to shove again the guests. Nice break and excellent fast ball by the house aspect. Russell to Kinghorn and the 15-metre go to Duhan van der Merwe to go over. Russell provides the 2.
67 TRY! SCOTLAND 22-6 AUSTRALIA Josh Bayliss marks his introduction with a marvellous attempt for Scotland. That’s sensible as he dragged a number of Australian gamers over with him. Graham with the go, and Bayliss went on the skin to go over. Fifth attempt in 10 matches. No conversion.
71′ TRY! SCOTLAND 27-6 AUSTRALIA Certainly recreation, set and match for Scotland now as Russell goes over with some ease. Controlling possession and territory. And getting their rewards. Bang goes the Aussie Grand Slam bid. Jones to Kinghorn to Russell. So easy.
