Scotland produced their best performance of the Autumn Nations Series to secure a commanding 27-13 win over Australia in their final test. 

It was an arduous and physical first-half with few standout moments but Gregor Townsend’s men led 7-3 at the interval courtesy of Sione Tuipulotu’s try from a rehearsed line-out move. 

The first half was an evenly-contested affair but Scotland showed their class after the interval as they ran up three tries, including an incredible finish from Josh Bayliss and a slick move culminating in Finn Russell scoring. 

It was a much-needed win from Scotland and their first win over Australia at Murrayfield since 2012. The result ensured it was a successful series for Scotland with three wins from four games with the only defeat arriving against world champions South Africa. 

There will be plenty of positives for Townsend to take into the Six Nations and here’s how the Scotland players rated.

15 Blair Kinghorn

Returned to his preferred full-back role but barely touched the ball during the first 30 minutes. Got more chances to stretch his legs as the game progressed. Excellent carry and stunning offload released White early in the second half and was much improved after the break. Rewarded with an excellent assist for Russell’s try to cap a brilliant move.  7  

14 Darcy Graham

Resembled a flanker as he secured a brilliant turnover in Scotland’s 22. Graham’s dazzling footwork makes him incredibly evasive and the perfect example arrived with his meandering run and pinpoint pass for Bayliss’ try. 7

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13 Huw Jones

Incredibly quiet during the opening half hour but threatened to burst through the Australia defence twice before half-time. Jones has enjoyed a good series but this was his quietest game, despite a solid performance. 7

12 Sione Tuipulotu

Looked unstoppable as he collected Ashman’s line out to power over the line for Scotland’s first try. Tuipulotu has relished his captaincy role and he’s such a reliable midfield option. Carried well through and interchanged with Russell well. 7

11 Duhan van der Merwe

Very few opportunities to showcase his ball carrying skills during the first half and regularly came in-field to get hands on the ball. Scotland found Van der Merwe more in the second half and responded with a typically assured finish. 7 

10 Finn Russell

Kick-through to Darcy Graham narrowly evaded the winger and wasn’t at his illuminating best during first half but found his rhythm after interval as Scotland’s backs began to motor. Kicking, however, wasn’t at usually high standard as evidenced by easy penalty miss in first half. 7

(Image: SNS Group)

9 Ben White

Really impressive as he cemented his place as Scotland’s first-choice scrum-half. Brilliant support run to receive offload from Kinghorn before being pollaxed as Australia somehow avoided a yellow card. Absolutely smashed on 12 minutes. 8

1 Pierre Schoeman

Big early hit got Scotland going and played a major role as they scrum held up well against considerable pressure. The Murrayfield crowd rightly recognises the importance of the prop to this Scotland side. Schopeman’s best performance of the series. 8

2 Ewan Ashman

Excellent deep line-out throw to confuse the Aussie defence for Tuipulotu to score the opening try. Line-out worked brilliantly in general during the first half, both offensively and defensively. 7

3 Zander Fagerson

Such an incredibly powerful ball carrier and constantly bulldozed over the Australian game line. Fagerson is a genuine world-class performer and ensured Scotland bullied their opponents up front in various aspects. 7

4 Grant Gilchrist

Poor offload failed to find Russell in a dangerous position but more than made up for it with a brilliant turnover from line-out deep in Scotland’s 22. The veteran is a dependable performer in the blue shirt and replacing him is a considerable task on the horizon. 7

5 Scott Cummings

Helped Scotland’s line-out flourish in the first-half and got through loads of unseen work, as always. Cummings is an unassuming character but he’s arguably underrated, but not by Gregor Townsend who rightly views him as a reliable performer. 7

6 Jamie Ritchie

Dropped line-out ball in excellent position but was a menace for the visitors around the breakdown and secured a superb turnover on 26 minutes. Townsend claimed Ritchie is returning to his best form pre-match and he silenced a few doubters with an excellent display. 8

(Image: SNS Group / SRU)

7 Rory Darge

Excellent early steal but penalised minutes later for an infringement as he attempted another. Darge’s relentless endeavour at the breakdown is a true weapon for Scotland and competed valiantly for 63 minutes. 6

8 Matt Fagerson

Walked the teams out on his 50th cap but wasn’t at his dynamic best during the first half and poor decision making led to an Australia turnover as Scotland applied pressure. Fagerson was solid enough but he’s clearly better as a flanker than at No.8. 6

Subs: 

16 Dylan Richardson

Replaced Ashman on the hour but wasn't as effective as his fellow hooker. 5

17 Rory Sutherland

Afforded the last twenty minutes in place of the excellent Shoeman and worked hard. 5 

18 Will Hurd

Replaced Fagerson after scoring his first Scotland try against Portugal. 5

19 Alex Craig

Got through a considerable amount of work during his cameo. 6

20 Josh Bayliss

Outstanding finish just minutes after his introduction for Scotland’s third try as he breezed past several Australian tackles. 7

21 George Horne

Typically energetic display but unable to stop Harry Potter scoring. 6