Australia Beat Scotland 56-12 in the WXV Global Series

Australia beat Scotland 56-12 in a WXV Global Series rugby match in Sydney. They scored eight tries. It was Scotland's eighth defeat in a row, and four of those came in the new competition, with earlier losses to Canada, New Zealand and Australia in their home ties.

Australia now have two wins in the series, both against Scotland, after earlier losses to England and France. Their 30-10 win in Edinburgh had moved them above Scotland in the world rankings. This time they wanted revenge on the Scots, who were led by caretaker head coach Dave Butcher. Scotland lost lock Sarah Bonar to illness shortly before kick-off, and Hollie Cunningham of Bristol Bears took her place.

Scotland started well. In the fifth minute, wing Katie Buchanan took the ball, beat a defender and sprinted over the line in her first international start to put Scotland in front. Australia replied with five tries before half-time. Hooker Brittany Merlo scored in the 17th minute to level the game, and wing Maya Stewart scored six minutes later. Samantha Wood kicked both extra points. Australia took full control when Scotland centre Meryl Smith was sent to the sin-bin, a short spell off the field for a rule break, and Desiree Miller, Amelia Whitaker and Ellis all scored. At half-time Australia led 35-5.

Miller scored her second try two minutes after the restart. Scotland answered soon after, when captain Rachel Malcolm would not be stopped near the line and Helen Nelson kicked the extra points. Scotland held out for nearly another 20 minutes until Whitaker broke clear for her second try with 15 minutes left. Eva Karpani scored the last try in the closing seconds, after Scotland lost second row Eva Donaldson to a yellow card.