International Rugby: Australians in Scotland

21.11.2009
Australia v Scotland at Murrayfield

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Preview
The Australians were very disappointed to lose the game against Ireland (ending in a 20-20 draw) in the last movement of the match. The Grand Slam went out the window with that draw but now they look to remain undefeated in the remaining internationals. Veteran George Smith moves up into the pack from the bench with David Pocock injured.

100 test veteran George Smith returns to the Australian starting lineup. Image thanks to www.rugby.com.au

For Scotland the cupboard has been bare a long time when it comes to Australia. It's been 27 years since the Blues defeated the Golds. They won against Fiji last week, more clinically than with style. The team remains virtually unchanged from last weekend. New coach Andy Robinson and an expectant Murrayfield crowd will be willing the Scots on to a famous victory. The test really comes this Saturday.

Last Five Encounters
25.11.2006 Australia 44-15 at Murrayfield
20.11.2004 Australia 31-17 in Glasgow
06.11.2004 Australia 31-14 at Murrayfield
19.06.2004 Australia 34-13 in Sydney
13.06.2004 Australia 35-15 in Melbourne

Scotland last defeated Australia, 12-7, in Brisbane in 1982

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 4th, Scotland 9th

Prediction: A right real tussle awaits Murrayfield. Australia by 10 points

Teams

Scotland
15 Rory Lamont (Toulon, France) Aged 27, 19 tests
14 Sean Lamont (Llanelly Scarlets, Wales) 27, 34
13 Alexander Grove (Worcester Warriors, England) 21, 1
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 27, 17
11 Simon Danielli (Ulster, Ireland) 31, 21
10 Philip Godman (Edinburgh Gunner) 27, 18
9 Christopher Cusiter, Capt. (Glasgow Warriors) 27, 45
8 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 22, 12
7 John Beattie (Glasgow Warriors) 23, 5
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester, England) 26, 12
5 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 28, 18
4 Nathan Hines (Leinster, Ireland) 32, 59
3 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 25, 3
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 30
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Gunners) 31, 37
Replacements
16 Douglas Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 29, 29
17 Kyle Traynor (Edinburgh Gunners) 23, 1
18 Jason White (Clermont Auvergne, France) 31, 75
19 Richard Vernon (Glasgow Warriors) 22, 1
20 Rory Lawson (Gloucester, England) 28, 15
21 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh Gunners) 31, 96
22 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 11
Head Coach: Andy Robinson

Australia
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper (ACT Brumbies)
14 Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds)
13 Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
12 Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
11 Drew Mitchell (NSW Waratahs)
10 Matthew Giteau (ACT Brumbies)
9 Wil Genia (Queensland Reds)
8 Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs)
7 George Smith (ACT Brumbies)
6 Rocky Elsom, Capt. (ACT Brumbies)
5 Mark Chisholm (ACT Brumbies)
4 James Horwill (Queensland Reds)
3 Benjamin Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
2 Steven Moore (ACT Brumbies)
1 Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs)
17 Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
18 Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs)
19 Richard Brown (WA Western Force)
20 Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs)
21 Ryan Cross (WA Western Force)
22 James O'Connor (WA Western Force)
Head Coach: Robbie Deans