The Wallabies and Scotland have continued their recent tradition of tight contests, playing out an absolute thriller with Scotland holding on to a 24-19 win in Sydney.
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It was three tries each for the Wallabies and the Scots, but the kicking boot of Finn Russell made all the difference.
Russell booted four from four, including three conversions and a penalty goal, while Wallaby flyhalf Bernard Foley struggled off the tee, missing two conversions and turning down every opportunity throughout the game to take three points.
In stark contrast to their performance last week against Fiji, Australia were slow out of the gates as Scotland dominated all the early possession and field position.
Despite opening the scoring in the fourth minute off the boot of Russell and having all the possession up inside the Wallabies 22, the Scots lack of execution hurt them in the first 40.
However, where they failed to capitalise themselves, they were gifted tries on the platter.
Duncan Taylor crossed in the 15th minute thanks to a gift of an intercept from Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Australia added to their own pain just 12 minutes later when Will Genia’s kick was charged down just five metres from his own line, allowing Russell to scoop up the scraps and cross for the Scots second.
The Wallabies were able to keep themselves in it thanks to a first-half double from Israel Folau, taking momentum into the halftime break thanks to a high-flying grab and put down right on the siren to reduce the gap to five at the interval.
It was Australia who arguably took control in the second half, but some scrappy rugby from both sides saw the error and penalty count grow substantially.
An unlikely pick and go from Will Genia 57 minutes in gave the Wallabies the lead for the firsrt time in the game, but they allowed the Scots to cross the line just five minutes later with a string of beautiful support play.
Despite the Wallabies camping down inside the Scotland 22 for the entire final ten minutes, the visitors refused to let them in, holding on to a 24-19 win and their first ever victory in Sydney.
The Wallabies will face Italy next week.
Australia – 19
Scotland – 24
Clash
Roar Pro
Nicely worded Mielie and an interesting slant. Link seemed to bring back pride in the jersey. He certainly did with Queensland Reds. Unfortunately we all know what happened with the dreadful response to McKenzie and pride. In some ways he brought it on himself by putting a strong person like Di Patston in charge of players who have been told how wonderful they are since primary school. What happened after that is still a disgrace where player power got rid of the one man in recent times who could do something for Australian rugby. The lack of response by Roarers to your comment maybe shows that they cannot see the wood for the trees. I hope not but your last paragraph shows why rugby will never compete in Oz against other codes. Seems to be the same in NZ where the dirty digger has pretty well wrapped up rugby to its detriment. After all, if players see that the ARU, television and various other bludgers are just out to make money for themselves then why on earth should they (the players) be any different. Take the money and run, and to hell with the jersey.
Yeah, earlier this season
ThugbyFan
Guest
Didn't see that one Bill. I didn't get into the ground till the 7th minute, it was 0-3 to Scotland when I sat down and B.Foley had just missed a kick on the large screen near the ticket area. Am not surprised as I honestly cannot remember a game where B.Foley has NOT missed a touch finder at least once, often within the first 5 minutes. Even worse, most of his touch finders off penalties are lucky to get past 22m. Maybe its nerves but its pretty poor for an international 5/8 to regularly miss. I still haven't managed to see a replay but I do have a masochistic streak in my bones. :)
ThugbyFan
Guest
Thanx Double, typed that after a few beers and vino. Small mercies. Whoot, saved by the bell.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Don't know his name (Stewart or Stuart) but the Aussie 5/8 is putting in some GREAT touch finders that are turning the Scots around time after time.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Am now watching the U20 game against Scotland (seeking revenge I hope) and boy, the Aussie kickers are punting the ball a minimum 50 metres every time. Now thinking of B.Foley's pop-gun kicks that are considered massive if they get past 35m. At 11 mins the halfback has put a 30 metre over the Scots to within 5m of their tryline. Mind you he also blotted his copybook with a horror straight to ground pass like W.Genia did in the intercept try. And guess what? At the 5th minute an Aussie kicks the ball about 8 metres from his tryline and its gets charged down. Luckily the ball bounces into the Aussie centre's arms. The commentator says that's the 3rd time an Aussie kicks has been charged down. I hope Genia and Foley are watching. :)
Yep tman, first positive signs, let's hope it continues, I still have no faith in our system though, politics, selection policies and SARu can bugger it up at any given point
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes I watched that one, that was a good match. Kolisi was awesome. Have always liked him from when he came on against the ABs. Good signs Biltong. Same match wit him the under 20s coming up shortly. That will be tough as well. France aren't bad.
Cuw
Guest
probably helped by the appearance of a proper BSF. seriosuly when will they realize that opa cannot meet the current tackle laws. he was very lucky not to get a card - coz the guy he tackled high went out for a concussion ( i think or maybe a broken jaw!) i think there was one super match whee he went like 6 -8 high and still was in the park (was it this year or last year ? )
taylorman
Roar Guru
Oh yes Shane but that'll be because the Tahs don't pass him the ball enough, the Tahs don't kick it to him enough, the Tahs don't this or that. The Tahs are the reason Folau doesn't have the numbers, not the man himself.
taylorman
Roar Guru
No, at the time you aren't thinking that. That's the whole point...?
From a supporter perspective that was the most positve sign from the Springboks since 2013. They played with energy, intent and commitment. France had them on defence for long periods in the match, having to make 169 tackles, missing only 16. On attack they showed skill, endeavour and most of all multiple offloads, not seeking to go into contact with the ball, but creating smart space. The best in my view since Ellispark 2013.
Kolisi had one of the best performances of an open side flanker for some time yesterday, he was absolutely brilliant.
Bakkies
Guest
and shít tattoos
Bakkies
Guest
Picamoles, Ben Morgan (rewatch what he did to Hooper in 2014), Jaco Kriel, Stander, Billy Vunipola
Bakkies
Guest
Well Gill left due to the fact he wasn't getting selected
Bakkies
Guest
There are more viewers watching the Wallabies in Europe and SA then there are in Australia
Bakkies
Guest
Andries Coetzee from the Lions would have to be up there
Bakkies
Guest
Well Hodge can kick long range
Suzy Poison
Guest
Insert any International loose forwards name.. Maybe try Siya Kolisi. he has the number six on his back. But the Boks play the six at open side. He ripped a ball out of a French players hand and went on a long run. He hit rucks and cleaned out players. He knocked over players in the tackle. All of which Hooper simply can't do.