Scotland put in a much improved showing, but ultimately lost their ninth Test match in a row as Australia beat them 38-31 in Canberra on Friday.
At the GIO Stadium, the home side took the lead in the WXV Global Series clash after three minutes when winger Amelia Whitaker scored a try converted by scrum-half Samantha Wood.
Then, after a goal line drop out mistake by the visitors, Australia scored their second converted try in the 12th minute.
Three minutes later, Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm scored a try to make it 14-5.
Australia centre Cecilia Smith was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle in the 34th minute and Scotland hooker Aicha Sutcliffe then scored a try, converted by centre Helen Nelson.
With Scotland on top, Australia then went down to 13 players when stand-off Waiaria Ellis was sin binned.
Scotland winger Katie Buchanan then finished superbly in the 37th minute and the unconverted try saw the visitors 17-14 up at the break.
Rather than kick on after half-time, Scotland had full-back Chloe Rollie yellow carded and her opposite number Faitala Moleka and No.8 Piper Duck scored converted tries to make it 28-17.
Winger Rhona Lloyd’s try and a conversion by Nelson – followed by a Wood penalty for the hosts – then made it 31-24 heading into the last quarter.
Captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona’s converted try extended the lead to 38-24 before Australia sub Eva Karpani was yellow carded.
Nicole Flynn and Imogen Spence came on for Scotland debuts, Australia’s Smith was yellowed again meaning a 20-minute red and Malcolm scored a converted try before the hosts held on.
- In domestic women’s rugby, Highland are Ayr will meet in National League action on Saturday if they can beat the weather while Biggar teenager Neve Murray has been awarded the Arnold Clark Scottish Rugby Women’s Try of the Month prize for September for this effort versus Cartha Queens Park in the Premiership.
- Former Heriot’s and Scotland under-18 player Sophie Langford is to make her full debut for Japan this weekend in WXV Global Series action V Wales.
Action from the GIO Stadium is pictured – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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