Scotland secured a statement victory against Australia to mark a perfect end to their Autumn Nations Series campaign.
Second-half tries from Duhan van der Merwe, Josh Bayliss and Finn Russell powered the hosts away, with Scotland largely controlling affairs after a fast Wallabies start. With their outside backs impressing and forwards standing up well to the visitors’ physicality, it was a complete performance from Gregor Townsend’s side as they secured a third win of November after previous successes against Fiji and Portugal.
Defeat at Murrayfield ended Australia’s hopes of emulating the achievement of the 1984 side, who swept the four home nations on a grand slam tour. Joe Schmidt’s team showed some of their inexperience, unable to find a route into the game as Scotland denied them opportunities in the broken field to secure a strong home victory.
Re-live all of the action from Murrayfield in our live blog below:
Scotland vs Australia
- Scotland secure statement win over Australia at Murrayfield
- Defeat ends Wallabies’ hopes of a grand slam tour
- TRY! SCOTLAND 7-3 Australia (Sione Tuipulotu, 22 minutes)
- TRY! SCOTLAND 17-6 Australia (Duhan van der Merwe, 52 minutes)
- TRY! SCOTLAND 22-6 Australia (Josh Bayliss, 67 minutes)
- TRY! SCOTLAND 27-6 Australia (Finn Russell, 71 minutes)
- TRY! Scotland 27-13 AUSTRALIA (Harry Potter, 75 minutes)
- FULL TIME: Scotland 27-13 Australia
Sione Tuipulotu sets Scotland on course to statement victory over Wallabies
16:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSione Tuipulotu helped halt Australia’s autumn resurgence as the Scotland captain scored the opening try in an impressive 27-13 triumph over the nation of his birth.
The 27-year-old Glasgow centre, who left his homeland frustrated at a lack of opportunities in 2018, was the only player on either side to cross the whitewash in the first half.
It was an extra special moment for Tuipulotu as his 77-year-old Greenock-born grandmother Jacqueline Thomson – the woman by whom he is eligible for Scotland – was in the stand watching him play for his adopted nation for the first time.
There were further tries after the break from Duhan van der Merwe, who moved back to the top of Scotland’s all-time scoring charts on 30, replacement Josh Bayliss and Finn Russell.
Sione Tuipulotu sets Scotland on course to statement victory over Wallabies
FT: Scotland 27-13 Australia
15:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere are the thoughts of former Scotland flanker John Barclay, speaking on TNT Sports: “I think there’s plenty more in the tank for Scotland. What really encouraged me, during the build up to this week, was Scotland embracing the fact that they had to win today, and they did [win]. They did it well, they did it emphatically. When the game opened up, we saw them bizarrely find more of their structure and they became more potent. This is an exciting Scotland team, an exciting team to watch.”
“As always and as ever, they will be judged on how they perform in the Six Nations. The big challenge for Sione Tuipulotu and Finn Russell is how can they take this feeling, this Series, and carry it through to that tournament in February and March next year.”
And here’s Blair Kinghorn giving his thoughts to TNT Sports
15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle“We wanted to end the year on a high, having done a good performance against South Africa we knew we could have done better. To end the year on a high in front of our home fans is amazing.
“It was a physical game, made it a little bit clunky in parts but we brought out attacking game in that second half and scored some really nice tries. Really happy.
“It’s our small skills, a couple of times I’ve made errors in that wide channel. It’s down to individual skills I reckon because our shape is good, but I’m buzzing for the boys, they have worked so hard all campaign.
“It’s the most special thing in the world playing in front of your own fans, pulling on the Scotland jersey. Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came out, you’ve been awesome.”
FT: Scotland 27-13 Australia
15:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn excellent end to the year for Scotland, completing a statement win over a Wallabies side that had been in flying form. A mature, complete performance from the hosts, who ran out deservedly comfortable winners.
FULL TIME: Scotland 27-13 Australia
15:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland 27-13 Australia, 81 minutes
15:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleTo within inches Australia go. Are they held up? No, according to referee Chris Busby, ordering Scottish hands away from the ball. Zen Nonggorr drives for the line but is replelled; Harry Wilson too..
Knocked on! Scotland hold firm at the last.
Scotland 27-13 Australia, 79 minutes
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland kick a penalty to the Australian five-metre line...but their lineout has been wobbly down there all day, and Dylan Richardson’s toss to the tail is a shocker.
A Wallabies penalty. The punt is launched long and the visitors can launch one last offensive with the full-time hooter ready to blare.
Scotland 27-13 Australia, 77 minutes
15:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleOff Australia go in search of a miracle. Harry Wilson sends Nick Frost up into the Scottish line. Wide, to the right, forwards and backs interchanging...but dragged into touch! That’ll be that, you’d think, for any faint Australia hopes.
TRY! Scotland 27-13 AUSTRALIA (Harry Potter, 75 minutes)
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleMagic handling from Harry Potter! It’s nowhere near as straightforward a score as it looked on first view, the Wallabies wing stumbling, bumbling and tumbling and never quite bringing the ball fully into his arms until the last moment.
Yet somehow, he manages to get it down just before his leg lands out of play at the bottom of the massive Murrayfield in-goal areas.
Over goes the conversion from Ben Donaldson. Five minutes, 14 points.
Try?
15:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleA debut score for Harry Potter? The TMO wants to make totally certain after the wing gathers Tate McDermott’s grubber to ground..
Scotland 27-6 Austrralia, 74 minutes
15:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleCan Scotland keep Australia try-less? That will help, Scott Cummings with a perfectly-timed lunge at Tate McDermott’s arm to force the ball free. Knocked on as more time ticks away.
TRY! SCOTLAND 27-6 Australia (Finn Russell, 71 minutes)
15:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’ll make totally certain of victory!
Scintillating stuff again. Duhan van der Merwe is in full flow as he takes an inside pop from Zander Fagerson, the wing shaking off a tackler and then connecting with Huw Jones. Jones finds Blair Kinghorn, who sets up a sliding Finn Russell for the try. Superb!
Scotland 22-6 Australia, 70 minutes
15:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland are enjoying this now. Blair Kinghorn is the latest outside back on a gleeful gambol, jumping and jiving through a gap.
TRY! SCOTLAND 22-6 Australia (Josh Bayliss, 67 minutes)
15:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleA scorching Scottish score!
What a try from the hosts! Some intricate handling in midfield creates a sliver of space for Darcy Graham, who latches on to Huw Jones’s offload and explodes away. A dynamite step keeps him scampering on, before throwing a floated pass towards Josh Bayliss. The Bath flanker can serious shift and burns both Harry Wilson and Len Ikitau to the corner. Is that the try that seals victory?
Scotland 17-6 Australia, 65 minutes
15:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood defence from Jamie Ritchie! Australia begin to threaten and fly half Noah Lolesio picks a clever line close to the ruck but the Scotland flanker gets across so well to cut off his carry and, even better, dislodge the ball from his grasp.
Scotland 17-6 Australia, 64 minutes
15:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleButchered! Scotland are turned over at the lineout and the Wallabies race away after Rob Valetini’s hack ahead, Australian hands getting to it. The dam seeemingly having burst as Tate McDermott gathers at the base of a ruck inside the Scotland 22 but a dreadful kick, ill-conceived and executed, by the scrum half ends the attack as Sione Tuipulotu claims a mark in relative comfort!
Scotland 17-6 Australia, 62 minutes
15:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleChanges for both teams. Rory Sutherland and Dylan Richardson are on in the Scotland front row; Tate McDermott replaces Jake Gordon at scrum half for the Wallabies.
Scotland 17-6 Australia 60 minutes
15:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are a few lost looks from the Wallabies to one another, their inexperience beginning to show for the first time this autumn. Scotland have done really well to deny them too much unstructured ball, winning the territorial battle and ensuring that their errors have not been compounded by loose defensive moments.
Scotland 17-6 Australia, 58 minutes
15:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleExcellent from Scotland! A crucial turnover as the hosts get their maul defence absolutely spot on, the Wallabies writhing and wriggling but gaining no ground. Held up, turnover ball!
Scotland 17-6 Australia, 56 minutes
15:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleSolid and stable from the new unit and out to the backs, who provide early impetus. The Australian forwards cruunch around the corner, Harry Wilson carrying with real intent. Jake Gordon snipes but is stopped in short order.
Penalty, Australia. No time for three points - to a five-metre lineout.
Scotland 17-6 Australia, 54 minutes
15:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleCan Australia find life? They haven’t really had a grip on this game since the first 15 minutes. A breakdown penalty allows them to gain some territory.
Jamie Ritchie’s pilfering paws get to the ball in the air. It will be a Wallabies scrum - and a new front row in Billy Pollard, Isaac Kailea and Zane Nonggorr are on to anchor it.
TRY! SCOTLAND 17-6 Australia (Duhan van der Merwe, 52 minutes)
14:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd the pressure finally tells! Sharp handling from Finn Russell and, particularly, Blair Kinghorn create enough room for Duhan van der Merwe to hurry home in the left corner.
A fine touchline conversion from Russell adds to the lead. Lovely stuff from Scotland, and a second try they have richly deserved.
Scotland 10-6 Australia, 50 minutes
14:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere come the hosts again, Duhan van der Merwe opening up his legs and making 20 metres before a recovering Carlo Tizzano chops him down. On the opposite wing, Darcy Graham jinks to within five metres.
Play on! Scotland 10-6 Australia, 50 minutes
14:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleA long review from referee Chris Busby and his team ends with no sanction! They are happy with Wright’s actions - which is fair enough, really, with no change in line to block White with the scrum half moving at speed.
Australia will clear from a goalline drop out.
Scotland 10-6 Australia, 49 minutes
14:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleNoah Lolesio nearly wriggles free of the Scottish defence, but the hosts recover well, Zander Fagerson coming away with the ball. Off Scotland go from inside their own 22, Blair Kinghorn offloading nicely to Ben White.
Crunch! White chips over the top of final defender Tom Wright and then charges into the full-back. How will the Wallabies view this? Wright is entitled to stand his ground but he knew what he was doing...
Scotland 10-6 Australia, 48 minutes
14:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland are then annoyed as Australia are awarded a scrum penalty despite Pierre Schoeman appearing to gain a bit of dominance. His angle was, perhaps, questionable, while the loosehead may also have slipped his bind.
Scotland 10-6 Australia, 47 minutes
14:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleNearly! After a lovely pull-back from Sione Tuipulotu, Darcy Graham just about gets a pass away at the line that seems set to free Blair Kinghorn - but the full-back can’t quite reel it in with his fingertips!
PENALTY! Scotland 10-6 AUSTRALIA (Noah Lolesio, 46 minutes)
14:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd the Wallabies fly half obliges.
Scotland 10-3 Australia, 45 minutes
14:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat margin will be immediately narrowed. Carlo Tizzano jackals well to win a penalty, that is well within Noah Lolesio’s range...
PENALTY! SCOTLAND 10-3 Australia (Finn Russell, 44 minutes)
14:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Finn Russell extends Scotland’s advantage.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 42 minutes
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother missed opportunity! Not for the first time, a Ewan Ashman lineout fails to find its intended target.
Another penalty soon after is this time going to be directed towards the posts.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 41 minutes
14:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleA strong start to the second 40 from Scotland, a high hanging restart knocked back by Jamie Ritchie and Australia then penalised for failing to vacate a ruck. Finn Russell kicks towards the corner.
Second half...
14:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, the players are back out there. Could go either way, this one.
WATCH! First-half highlights from Scotland v Australia
14:34 , Luke BakerA low-scoring but oddly compelling first half in Edinburgh. Here’s the best of the action so far.
Scottish Gas, Murrayfield in full song! 🤩#AutumnNationsSeries | #SCOvAUS pic.twitter.com/EIw9YewxZp
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 24, 2024
🔓 The @Wallabies open the scoring in Scottish Gas, Murrayfield#AutumnNationsSeries | #SCOvAUS pic.twitter.com/djk3Mg89Sc
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 24, 2024
🎯 Incredible line-out dart sees @Scotlandteam score their first of the afternoon via Sione Tuipulotu!#AutumnNationsSeries | #SCOvAUS pic.twitter.com/crx48IwM5w
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 24, 2024
HT: Scotland 7-3 Australia
14:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleA really odd half, that, both sides showing glimpses of their attacking ability but points hard to come by. Scotland will feel they have been wasteful; Australia will want to lift their level again having faded following a fast start.
HALF TIME: Scotland 7-3 Australia
14:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 40 minutes
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleTheir other set piece isn’t working quite so well - Scotland steal lineout ball once more.
Blair Kinghorn shows off his striding ability, like a prime thoroughbred on the gallop as he thunders into space before being hauled in. It isn’t long, though, before the referee’s peep brings them to a halt - Kinghorn had been held up long enough for the maul to be called.
That may be that for the first half.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 39 minutes
14:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Wallabies tight five then goes to work, Pierre Schoeman turning in under pressure from the combined might of Allan Alaalatoa and Will Skelton.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 37 minutes
14:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleInaccurate again! Scotland begin to really threaten as they sweep back to the right, but Matt Fagerson sees the ball slip from his hands as he tries to throw a pass at the line. A fifth handling error from the hosts, preventing them from building their advantage.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 36 minutes
14:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleA solid Wallabies scrum and direct Len Ikitau carry creates enough room for Jake Gordon to clear to touch, though it hasn’t gone far.
Scotland will attack again from 25 metres out. Ben White extracts from the maul and out to the backs Finn Russell flings, Blair Kinghorn dropping off for Darcy Graham to cut back against the grain.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 34 minutes
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt seems Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s day may be done, which is a real shame. Still, he showed in that opening half hour just what a fascinating prospect he is.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 34 minutes
14:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleKnocked on! A lineout misfire, Ewan Ashman finding his jumper but an attempted transfer to shift the maul’s point of emphasis going awry.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 33 minutes
14:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland are soon back on the offensive, stealing a lineout and entering the Australia 22. Darcy Graham roams off the right wing with menace, and with a nadvantage coming, Finn Russell can reach into his magic hat. A switch of direction sends Blair Kinghorn within five metres...but Jamie Ritchie goes off his feet resourcing a ruck.
The penalty is poked into the corner.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 32 minutes
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSuaalii is heading off, though - it appears his mouthguard has triggered, such was the size of that hit, and a head injury assessment is required. Max Jorgensen is on; Harry Potter may go into the centres.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 31 minutes
14:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleWallop! Joseph Aukuso Suaalii absolutely clatters into Sione Tuipulotu, seemingly hurting himself in the process. Were there arms in that tackle? It appears the officials may want to have a look...
Penalty Australia! An outstanding jackal in the shadow of their own posts.
What about that Suaalii hit, though? Looks fine - a clear wrap and a picture perfect crunching tackle.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 29 minutes
14:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoseph-Aukuso Suaalii is some athlete. He reels in Ben White with ease as the two chase after a little chipped kick, thumping the Scotland scrum half to the floor.
Speaking of elite athletes - a first sighting of Duhan van der Merwe on the run, skipping in and out of a tackle or two. Onwards Scotland go as the phase count climbs into double figures.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 28 minutes
14:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis fast and frantic half-hour continues. Sione Tuipulotu goes on another fortright carry, but is held up in a warm Wallabies embrace.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 26 minutes
14:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleA nice touch from Harry Potter on debut, threading a kick up the left touchline and out just short of the Scotland line. It is a pressure throw for Ewan Ashman but the hooker nails his jumper at the tail, allowing his teammates to clear.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 25 minutes
14:07 , Harry Latham-CoylePinched! Grant Gilchrist makes a mess of the maul, somehow escaping with the ball from the mangled tangle of Wallabies.
Scotland 7-3 Australia, 24 minutes
14:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia get their hands to the restart, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii showing off the spring that worked so well against England. A penalty prompts a punt to the corner.
TRY! SCOTLAND 7-3 Australia (Sione Tuipulotu, 22 minutes)
14:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight up the Royal Mile!
Route one stuff from Scotland and a memorable try for captain Sione Tuipulotu with his grandmother watching on! An overthrown lineout lands in the hand of the centre and there’s no stopping him. Finn Russell converts.
Scotland 0-3 Australia, 22 minutes
14:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia have just lost their discipline a touch. A strong counter-ruck is scuppered by Brandon Paenga-Amosa and the busy Len Ikitau going off their feet.
Missed penalty! Scotland 0-3 Australia, 20 minutes
14:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleOff the post! A clean strike from Finn Russell, but off the upright it rebounds, with Harry Wilson rather cannily claiming a mark like the cricketing fielder he once was.
Scotland 0-3 Australia, 18 minutes
14:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleA bit of a scuffle after Australia are penalised for chasing in front of the kicker, Tom Wright and Sione Tuipulotu jawing after the full-back had engaged in a bit of argy-bargy with Ben White. And Chris Busby marches the visitors back ten, which brings the penalty within Finn Russell’s kicking range.
Scotland 0-3 Australia, 17 minutes
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleA funny game to figure out, this, both sides clearly prepared to play but yet to really make telling thrusts. Australia take the 22 dropout quick and short, but Scotland are soon on the attack. A knock on ends the movement while Len Ikitau is down for treatment - it appears the Australian centre feels he’s taken a shot to the head, but the officials aren’t looking at it.
Scotland 0-3 Australia, 15 minutes
13:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo near, so far! Finn Russell spots space in behind but puts slightly too much oomph on his grubber, with even the rapid Darcy Graham unable to retrieve it. A chance gone.
Scotland 0-3 Australia, 13 minutes
13:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleBlair Kinghorn strikes his restart rather better than Lolesio did at kick off, forcing Australia to play from deep. And now the visitors fall foul of the officials - two blasts of Chris Busby’s whistle should grant them a chance to answer from the tee...
Or not! Scotland kick to the corner!
PENALTY! Scotland 0-3 AUSTRALIA (Noah Lolesio, 12 minutes)
13:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleNoah Lolesio slots the opening three.
Scotland 0-0 Australia, 10 minutes
13:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland don’t escape far, knocking on soon after their lineout just beyond the bounds of their 22. And the Wallabies go to work, Angus Bell among those trucking up with serious intent.
Advantage is coming as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii regathers some momentum with a meaty charge. Referee Chris Busby’s arm is out again as the pressure builds...and Australia will take that penalty.
Scotland 0-0 Australia, 8 minutes
13:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleSuperb from Darcy Graham! The Scottish forwards just do enough to prevent the maul getting going, and then the wee wing nips in with a brilliant turnover.
Scotland 0-0 Australia, 7 minutes
13:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleA second successive penalty and Australia boot further deeper into Scottish territory. Brandon Paenga-Amosa will throw a lineout sevne metres from the line.
Scotland 0-0 Australia, 6 minutes
13:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleA lively opening passage, this. Scotland stall Wallabies ball just beyond halfway, but Rory Darge is in from the side. Penalty Wallabies - down towards the 22 they march.
Scotland 0-0 Australia, 5 minutes
13:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland flip the field with a deep kick and Australia clear to their own ten-metre line. Scotland play intricately around Sione Tuipulotu, but a Finn Russell flick hits the deck.
Scotland 0-0 Australia, 3 minutes
13:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleStrong defence from Scotland as they face up to a second set, Rob Valetini thundered back annd then Brandon Paenga-Amosa, too. Pierre Schoeman then capitalises on loose ruck ball to snatch aturnover.
Scotland 0-0 Australia, 2 minutes
13:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleSome punchy early carries from the Australians, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Rob Valetini showing well. They eventually run out of steam just short of the Scotland 22, Len Ikitau stabbing a kick in behind. Scotland gather and clear to touch.
Scotland 0-0 Australia, 1 minute
13:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleA shallow kick off from Noah Lolesio that Scotland still choose to play, foolishly, as it happens - a knock on and a first Australia scrum.
KICK OFF!
13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd we are underway in Edinburgh.
Scotland vs Australia
13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, here we go. Will the Wallabies grand slam hopes stay alive?
Former Scotland team doctor James Robson delivers the match ball on his birthday. A great of the game.
Scotland vs Australia
13:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleA few of the Wallabies look rather parky as they huddle like penguins for the anthem.
Scotland’s rendition is typically pleasant, Murrayfield in fine voice.
Scotland vs Australia
13:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleMatt Fagerson leads Scotland out on the occasion of his 50th cap, soon followed by the rest of his squad mates and their Australian opposition.
Scotland vs Australia
13:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is, mercifully, dry at Murrayfield, with the now of yesterday cleared and (in shocking news) the sun shing, warming those in one corner of the grand old ground. What impact will the Wallabies’ lack of training time have?
Scotland vs Australia match officials
13:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Chris Busby (Ireland)
Assistant Referee 1: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referee 2: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
I’m where I’m supposed to be – Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu happy with career path
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSione Tuipulotu says he could not be more content with the way his career has panned out as he prepares to captain Scotland against the country of his birth when Australia visit Murrayfield.
The 27-year-old begrudgingly left his homeland for Japan in 2018 due to a lack of opportunities and since moving to Glasgow in 2021 he has developed into one of the top centres in the world.
Wallabies scrum-half Nic White said earlier this week of Tuipulotu: “Unfortunately we let him get away, but he’s going to have a point to prove this weekend.”
But the burgeoning back said on Saturday at his captain’s run press conference that he is entirely at ease that he ended up getting international recognition with the nation of grandmother’s birth rather than Australia.
I’m where I’m supposed to be – Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu happy with career path
Wing ‘wizard’ Harry Potter has heard all of the jokes before
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAny Harry of a certain age has dealt with a comment or two in reference so a certain fictional wizard, but for Harry Potter the problem has obviously been particularly acute. And the wing has heard all the jokes before:
Wing 'wizard' Harry Potter to play for Australia's rugby team. He knows the puns are coming
Australia team news
12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleFormer Leicester back Harry Potter makes his Australia debut on the wing, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns to the starting centre pairing after Samu Kerevi’s suspension. The abrasive Carlo Tizzano is given an opportunity on the openside in a back row that also includes returning skipper Harry Wilson. Matt Faessler is a late withdrawal; Brandon Paenga-Amosa starts with Billy Pollard on the bench.
Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Will Skelton; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 8 Harry Wilson (captain); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Noah Lolesio; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Andrew Kellaway; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Langi Gleeson; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.
Scotland team news
12:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleGregor Townsend brings back his first-choice side with only Darcy Graham retained from the starting team that beat Portugal. With no Jack Dempsey due to injury, Jamie Ritchie comes in to the back row as Matt Fagerson slides across to number eight, and Scott Cummings returns from his one-match ban after being sent off against South Africa.
Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Grant Gilchrist, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Jamie Ritchie, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Matt Fagerson; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (captain), 13 Huw Jones, 14 Darcy Graham; 15 Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Josh Bayliss; 21 George Horne, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Kyle Rowe.
Your Scotland side to take on Australia in the final clash of The Famous Grouse Nations Series 🏴
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 22, 2024
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/GAszeX7yFo pic.twitter.com/TwS7q1Fgb8
Scottish snow poses problems for Wallabies
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia have had limited training this week due to frozen pitches ahead of their Autumn international clash with Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday, but are hoping their red hot form can take them to a Grand Slam finish to the year.
The Wallabies have had an up and down season, but beat England 42-37 in their tour opener and followed that up with a comprehensive 52-20 victory over Wales as they go into their clash with Scotland bristling with confidence.
“Our plan was to get up here (Edinburgh) and train Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday,” coach Joe Schmidt told reporters. “As it happened, we’ve been quite limited in what we’ve done.
“The grounds are frozen but Scottish Rugby were super today (Friday), they let us train at Murrayfield so we could actually get a session on the grass. Hopefully that sharpens the boys for Sunday.”
Gregor Townsend wants statement win to boost Scotland’s Six Nations bid
12:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleGregor Townsend has challenged Scotland to set themselves up for the Six Nations by defeating Australia today.
The Scots have defeated a second-string Fiji side and Portugal this month either side of a spirited display in a 32-15 defeat by South Africa.
Now Townsend wants to see his team sign off their autumn series with a statement victory over a resurgent Wallabies side.
Gregor Townsend wants statement win to boost Scotland’s Six Nations bid
Scotland’s Tuipulotu brothers surprised by grandmother’s arrival from Australia
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleMosese Tuipulotu revealed he and brother Sione were taken by complete surprise after their Greenock-born grandmother made a secret journey from Australia to Edinburgh to watch them represent Scotland this weekend.
Scottish Rugby released a video on Wednesday afternoon showing the emotional moment the siblings – who thought they were going to meet a fan – walked into the dressing-room at Murrayfield on Tuesday to find 77-year-old Jacqueline Thomson, who had been flown over by Skyscanner, Scotland’s official travel partner.
Jacqueline, who left Scotland when she was a child, is the reason both players are eligible for the national team.
Scotland’s Tuipulotu brothers surprised by grandmother’s arrival from Australia
Warren Gatland admits to uncertainty over future after Wales suffer 12th straight defeat
11:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWarren Gatland wasn’t totally unequivocal when commenting on his future afterwards, with a review set to begin in the coming days and some difficult conversations to be had:
Gatland admits to uncertainty over future after Wales suffer 12th straight defeat
Wales end year without a win as South Africa highlight sad truth for Warren Gatland
11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleI, meanwhile, was in Cardiff to watch Wales complete a winless year with a defeat to South Africa. There was pleasing fight and physicality in parts of the hosts’ performance, but the Springboks still won comfortably without finding their best.
Wales end year without a win as South Africa show sad truth for Warren Gatland
Fiji boss claims Sam Prendergast escaped red card due to ‘wearing green jersey’
11:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut were Andy Farrell’s side lucky lot to have fly half Sam Prendergast sent off for an early high tackle? Fiji boss Mick Byrne certainly felt so:
Fiji boss claims Sam Prendergast escaped red card due to ‘wearing green jersey’
Yesterday’s action
11:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll get into all of the build-up from Murrayfield in a bit, but first let’s reflect on yesterday’s action - starting in Dublin, where Fiji disappointed as Ireland returned to somewhere closer to their best to win comfortably...
Ireland ease to victory against Fiji as Sam Prendergast overcomes early yellow card
TNT Sports encouraged by Autumn Nations Series viewing figures
11:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe November rugby internationals have seen strong levels of interest across Europe with executives at governing bodies and broadcasters understood to be pleased with viewing figures.
TNT Sports, who are in their first year as the UK broadcaster of the Autumn Nations Series after taking over from Amazon, are said to be particularly encouraged by the week-on-week growth in interest in their first significant, sustained involvement in international rugby.
The England vs South Africa clash last weekend set a new record rugby audience for the channel, formerly BT Sport, with interest in line with top Premier League and Champions League games.
TNT Sports encouraged by Autumn Nations Series viewing figures
Scotland vs Australia LIVE
Saturday 23 November 2024 09:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleWelcome along to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of Scotland vs Australia. Perhaps the game of a busy rugby weekend, this mightily-intriguing fixture pits a settled, strong Scottish side against a Wallabies team that have bounced up to Edinburgh on the back of two wins and still in the hunt for a grand slam tour.
Kick off at Murrayfield is at 1.40pm.
