Cheika’s Wallabies rabble slaughtered by Townsend’s super-slick Scotland

Alex Broun 22:31 25/11/2017
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  • Scotland recorded their biggest win over the Wallabies.

    Michael Cheika’s Wallabies certainly are record breakers.

    Following on from last Saturday’s biggest ever loss against England, Cheika’s side set a whole new host of records against Scotland today at Murrayfield.

    In the history of Australia vs Scotland test matches, stretching right back to 1927, the 53 points were the most ever conceded by Australia against the Scots and 29 their biggest ever losing margin. Scotland’s eight tries were also the most they have ever scored against the Wallabies.

    But to fully appreciate those three new marks you need to put them in context. The previous highest score by Scotland against Australia was 34, in the controversial quarter final loss at the 2015 Rugby World Cup – that mark was beaten by 19 points.

    The biggest ever losing margin before today was nine points, that was exceeded by 20 – and the most tries Scotland had ever managed against Australia in a Test before today was three. That was beaten by a staggering five five-pointers.

    Then there were the marks that Scotland almost set. It was the third most points ever scored against Australia in 617 Tests; they became only the third country after South Africa and New Zealand to rack up a half century against the Wallabies (the first northern hemisphere nation) and it was the equal ninth largest lost in Wallaby history (again the largest to a northern hemisphere nation.)

    Yes, the Australians played over half the match with 14-men after a mindless and totally out of character shoulder charge by Sekope Kepu but this was insane rugby by any standard.

    Sekope Kepu was sent off for the Wallabies.

    Sekope Kepu was sent off for the Wallabies.

    Scotland have made stunning strides under new coach Gregor Townsend, and this was their second victory over Australia this calendar year, but this was far more impressive than that 24-19 triumph in Sydney.

    The Scots were decimated by the loss of their star Stuart Hogg just before kick-off but rather than go into their shell they fully committed to their new-look high-tempo, highly skilled running game.

    Even when they went behind 12 – 10 just before Kepu was sent off or when Australia scored first in the second half, the brave Scots refused to flinch.

    Their skill levels were breathtaking and despite their break-neck speed their accuracy was impressive with just six dropped passes (eight by Australia) and 23 missed tackles (29 by Australia).

    The match showed the Scots nearly-victory against the All Blacks last weekend was no-fluke and Scotland are now right up alongside England and Ireland as Six Nations favourites.

    As for the Wallabies – Cheika has to take full responsibility for this debacle. Yes Australia were unlucky against England but there was no luck in this. Kepu’s red card, and Kurtley Beale’s second in two games, shows a recklessness and lack of discipline that stems straight from the coach.

    If the coach cannot control himself how can the players.

    When they were reduced to 14 men they had to have a plan B – keep it tight, play territory – but they still threw the ball around like it was an end of season Barbarians jaunt. It played right into the Scots hands, and the adoring Murrayfield crowd’s hearts.

    This is Scotland's second win over the Wallabies in the calendar year.

    This is Scotland’s second win over the Wallabies in the calendar year.

    Just over a month ago the Wallabies deservedly beat the All Blacks in Brisbane and after a horror spell in Australian rugby, on and off the field, things were finally looking up.

    But after record losses to England and Scotland the Wallabies end their season as a dis-heartened rabble and Cheika has to start all over again in 2018.

    If the Wallabies are to have any chance at all in the 2019 RWC, or claiming back the Bledisloe Cup before that, Cheika must learn some discipline and then instill that discipline in his team. Or else more dark days like this will follow.

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