Scotland vs Australia
Scotland welcome Australia to Murrayfield for this Autumn International clash .Both teams are fresh from victory over Tonga and Japan respectively. The Scots are much changed from their last match and welcome back all their first team regulars. The Aussies are missing some key personnel in Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi. These two players were one of the main reasons the Aussies are on a five game unbeaten run that includes two wins against the World Champion Springboks. Both these teams enjoy keeping the ball in hand so we should expect an open and exciting game. The Scots will look to mercurial number 10 Finn Russell to pull the strings and get the potent backline going. The Wallabies have recalled James O’Connor to the team at 10 and he may be a little rusty as he was out for a long time with injury. He will be targeted by the Scottish as he lacks game time.
TIP: The Aussies forward pack has been their biggest improvement since their losses to the All Blacks and Taniela Tupou’s selection has made a huge difference to the team therefore I find it strange that he is back on the bench. The Scots should have the edge in the forwards led by the impressive British and Irish Lion Hamish Watson. His work rate around the field and ability at the breakdown makes him the key factor in this Scottish team. The undoubted highlight will be seeing Watson go head to head against his opposite number Michael Hooper. The Aussie skipper always leads from the front and if he has a great game then the visitors will win. The bookies have Australia as favourites but I’m going for the Scots for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.05, Playabets 1.97 and Sunbet 1.96
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Scotland vs Australia
- In the last five matches between the sides Australia have won three and Scotland two.
- Scotland have won the last two matches between the sides.
- Scotland have only beaten Australia once on home soil back in 2017.
- Latest results for both teams
Scotland won their last match against Tonga 60-14 while Australia beat Japan 32-22 in their last match.
- PREDICTION
Finn Russell holds the key this game as he needs to ignite his backline. Scotland have arguably the most dangerous back three in Europe. On the wings they have Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe and at fullback they have Stuart Hogg. All three players are dangerous ball runners especially when they are counter attacking. The Aussies will miss their superstar wing Marika Koroibete but have an ably replacement in Jordan Petaia. The Wallabies have shifted Andrew Kellaway from the wing to fullback and this is bemusing as he started his career on the wing and has scored in all his test matches so far. The kicking of the Aussie halfbacks need to be accurate otherwise the Scots will have a field day counter attacking. The home crowd and full strength Scots will sneak the win in this match by 6 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Scotland
15 Stuart Hogg (c), 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Sam Johnson, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ali Price, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Jamie Ritchie, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Sam Skinner, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Australia
15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Jordan Petaia, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Rob Leota, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper
- Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Scotland victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.05
Playabets 1.97
Sunbet 1.96
- Odds comparison on the Scotland handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Scotland handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (+1.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+1.5) 1.86
Playabets (+0.5) 1.90
- Predictions and Odds in details
I think the Aussies will struggle in this match especially in attack as the missing players are all pivotal to their backline. The scrum battle will be interesting and I expect the Scots to have the edge up until the second half when Tupou comes from the bench. The Aussies will hope that they are not too far behind when he comes on the field. Both teams prefer the ball in hand approach but they are also very proficient at the rolling maul. The team that can better defend the maul win come out on top in this encounter. The bookies are offering great returns on the Scotland outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap in this match. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+1.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+1.5) 1.86 and Playabets (+0.5) 1.90
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.