Australia battled back from 10-5 down at half-time to defeat Scotland 30-10 in WXV Global Series action at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday.
In front of a crowd of 3,191, the Wallaroos won their first game since March and halted a run of six defeats in a row.
For Scotland, this was a seventh defeat in a row. They played well in the first half, but did not put enough points on the board when on top and they were overawed in the second period here.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given both teams had won just one game out of seven each in 2026 before this one, it was an edgy start and, after 10 minutes, it was still 0-0.
After 14 minutes, Scotland took the lead when, after some good patience and carries near the try line, No.8 Evie Gallagher went over for a five-pointer converted by stand-off Helen Nelson.
Australia were then dealt a blow when full-back Caitlyn Halse was forced off for an HIA and was replaced by Ava Wereta.
Scotland were the team who had the better of possession as the 25th minute came and went, but they only had seven points on the board to show for it because of a mixture of some good Australia defence and some unforced errors.
Halse then returned for Australia and more of the play started to be in the Scotland half with the host giving away quite a few penalties.
The Wallaroos were playing with more zip and, when they got width on the ball in the 34th minute, winger Desiree Miller went in at the corner. Scrum-half Samantha Wood’s conversion hit the upright.
A penalty by Nelson soon after put Scotland 10-5 up and that was how it stayed until half-time.
In the 50th minute, Australia went ahead for the first time in the game when Wood wriggled over for a try and converted it herself to make it 12-10. To make matters worse for Scotland, Gallagher was yellow carded at the same time.
Five minutes later, the Wallaroos took advantage of their player advantage when loosehead prop Brianna Hoy went over for their third try.
Wood converted that one and moments later centre Faitala Moleka, named player of the match at the end, scored their fourth try to make it 24-10.
Gallagher returned to the fray on the hour mark, but when it was 15 versus 15 again a Wood penalty made it 27-10 to Australia with 15 minutes to go.
She then kicked another with five minutes to go to finish things at 30-10.
Scotland have to try and dust themselves down quickly because on October 7 they head out to Australia for two more WXV Tests against the Wallaroos on October 17 and 23.
Scotland were thwarted by Australia, Sarah Bonar is pictured on the ball – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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