Rugby, Australian Football: Australia defeat the Scots

Scotland turned in a brave and passionate performance against Australia but were eventually condemned to a 35-15 defeat in Melbourne as the Wallabies, led by two tries from Lote Tuqiri, pulled clear in the second half.

Four penalties from Dan Parks in reply to Matt Giteau's try and eight points from Joe Roff had ensured Scotland trailed by just one point at the interval.

But the Wallabies cranked up the pressure after the interval, Tuqiri struck twice and Wendell Sailor rounded off the scoring with a soft try in the closing minutes.

Although it extended Scotland's losing streak against Australia to 12 matches in 22 years, it was a spirited display with Hugo Southwell, making his first Test start, a standout performer at full-back.

Parks, who was born in Sydney and had said the match represented the biggest occasion in his life, finished with all 15 of Scotland's points from a faultless kicking display.

Scotland forward Tom Smith admitted he had mixed feelings after the defeat.


link