Scotland and Australia face off at Murrayfield today in a Nations Championship match that offers both sides a chance to recover from underwhelming November starts. Kick-off is scheduled for 3.10pm GMT, with the game broadcast live on ITV1 and streamed on ITVX.
Last weekend, Scotland appeared on the verge of a historic victory against New Zealand only to be undone by a second-half rally from the All Blacks. That loss leaves Gregor Townsend’s team grappling with familiar questions about their ability to close out big games. Still, Scotland’s recent record against Australia offers some encouragement, even as the Wallabies seek to improve after a lackluster display against England.
Scotland have made two changes to their back three, recalling Blair Kinghorn and Darcy Graham in place of Kyle Rowe and Jamie Dobie. Dobie, demonstrating his adaptability, drops back to the bench as scrum half cover. Newcastle Red Bulls back rower Ollie Leatherbarrow is set to make his international debut among the replacements. A late injury forced captain Sione Tuipulotu out of the starting lineup; Tom Jordan takes his place, with Stafford McDowall named on the bench. Rory Darge assumes the captaincy for this match.
The starting XV for Scotland reads: Rory Sutherland at loosehead prop, Ewan Ashman hooking, and Zander Fagerson at tighthead prop; Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings in the second row; Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, and Jack Dempsey in the back row. Ben White directs the game from scrum half, with Finn Russell at fly half. The back three are Graham and Kinghorn on the wings, with Tom Jordan and Huw Jones occupying the centre positions. Kyle Steyn completes the back line at fullback.
Australia have adjusted their lineup following their disappointing outing against England. Carter Gordon returns at fly half, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves into the midfield after Isaac Henry was ruled out through injury. Harry Potter is introduced on the wing. Rob Valetini moves into the starting back row as Jeremy Williams returns to the second row. Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Tom Hooper are available among the replacements after recovering from injury.
Australia’s starting XV features Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, and Allan Alaalatoa in the front row. Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams form the second row partnership. The back row consists of Valetini, Fraser McReight, and captain Harry Wilson. Ryan Lonergan and Gordon operate at half back. The back three include Potter, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright, with Len Ikitau and Suaalii in midfield.
The replacements bench for Scotland includes Gregor Hiddleston, Pierre Schoeman, Will Hurd, Max Williamson, Josh Bayliss, Leatherbarrow, Dobie, and McDowall. Australia’s bench lists Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Hooper, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Filipo Daugunu.
Both teams will be aiming to sharpen their performances with the Nations Championship still in its early stages. Scotland’s home advantage at Murrayfield and their recent success against the Wallabies provide some hope, but Australia’s squad changes signal their intent to respond to last week’s setback.
The match will be followed closely by rugby fans in the UK and internationally, with live coverage beginning at 2pm GMT on ITV1. The contest promises to test both teams’ resilience as they seek to gain momentum in this year’s Nations Championship.
According to Yahoo Sports.
