Eight-try Australia send Scotland to eighth straight defeat

WXV Global Series

Australia (35) 56

Tries: Merlo, Stewart, Miller (2), Whitaker (2), Ellis, Karpani Cons: Wood (6), Moleka (2)

Scotland (5) 12

Tries: Buchanan, Malcolm Con: Nelson

Scotland suffered a chastening eight-try defeat by Australia in their WXV Global Series match in Sydney.

It was the visitors’ eighth straight defeat, four of them in the new competition, having lost to Canada, New Zealand and the Aussies in their home ties.

Australia have two victories, both against the Scots, after losing to England and France, their 30-10 win in Edinburgh having lifted them above their hosts in the world rankings.

As they sought revenge, the Scots, under caretaker head coach Dave Butcher, lost Sarah Bonar to illness shortly before kick-off and the Harlequins lock was replaced with Bristol Bears’ Hollie Cunningham.

But they started brightly, with Katie Buchanan collecting the ball on the wing, beating a defender and sprinting over the line to give them a fifth-minute lead in her first international start.

Australia, though, responded with five tries by half-time.