Scotland's autumn performance shows three wins from four matches. While this is commendable, they felt it necessary to defeat a rapidly improving Australia to consider the campaign a success. The hosts ultimately scored four tries against Joe Schmidt's youthful squad, ensuring no Wallabies grand slam, unlike the legends of 1984. However, the Australians remained competitive until the last quarter.
Storm Bert wreaked havoc across Scotland this week, disrupting both teams' preparations. Yet, the players woke up to clear skies and warmer weather, a stark contrast to the conditions that had forced them to train indoors just days before. With six changes made from the previous Sunday's victory in Wales, Schmidt had to make two additional adjustments: hooker Matt Faessler, who scored a hat-trick in Cardiff, was sidelined due to a calf injury, and lock Jeremy Williams withdrew on Sunday morning due to illness. Brandon Paenga-Amosa took Faessler's place in the front row, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto filling in the second row.
Scotland's lineup, boasting 690 caps, was the most experienced since the 2022 Rugby World Cup pool match against Ireland. Gregor Townsend could finally select his preferred back three of Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, and Duhan van der Merwe. Sione Tuipulotu, born in Melbourne and raised between Australia and Tonga, captained the team from inside-centre, watched by his Scottish Greenock-born grandmother, who had flown in from Australia for the occasion.
Anticipation was high for Scotland's swift attack to face Australia's skillful resurgence. However, Noah Lolesio's botched kick-off and Huw Jones's dropped ball set the tone. Early highlights included Graham winning a breakdown penalty. Scotland aimed to target Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's defense while acknowledging his threat. A rugby league-style carry by the 21-year-old helped secure field position for Lolesio's opening penalty. Russell missed a chance to equalize with a poor penalty attempt.
When Ewan Ashman threw a long lineout to Tuipulotu, Australia was caught off guard, and the home captain powered through Len Ikitau, brushing off Andrew Kellaway. Scotland increased the tempo, and Tuipulotu cut in from the left, fed by Graham, and made contact with Suaalii. The Australian was immediately taken off, exchanging words with Tuipulotu before leaving. Tuipulotu had previously stated, “I’m sure they will be trying to take my head off,” embodying that spirit in this match. The removal of Suaalii was a significant blow for the Wallabies.
With only 10 points scored by halftime—Scotland leading 7-3—it wasn't the free-flowing rugby some had hoped for. Carlo Tizzano was penalized by Chris Busby soon after the break, allowing Russell to surpass 400 Scotland points with a penalty. Australia quickly responded with their own penalty. The scoreboard remained worryingly close for a match Scotland considered campaign-defining. Home fans were frustrated when Tom Wright, the visiting full-back, appeared to block scrum-half Ben White after a chip kick. The TMO ruled in Wright's favor, but it was forgotten when Russell and Kinghorn combined to send Van der Merwe over on the left.
Murrayfield was electrified when Graham broke through the defensive line and passed to Josh Bayliss of Bath, who had just come off the bench. The back-rower beat a couple of defenders and scored a remarkable try in the corner. Russell's conversion made it 22-6, extinguishing any remaining Australian grand slam hopes. Exceptional teamwork from Kinghorn and his back-line teammates led to two Bath try-scorers within four minutes when Russell crossed over. Harry Potter scored a late try on his debut for Australia, who now head to Dublin for a potentially campaign-defining match against Ireland.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
