Scotland end Australia's clean sweep hopes

Scotland ended Australia's hopes of a clean sweep of the home nations with a 27-13 victory at Murrayfield.

The Wallabies, resurgent under Joe Schmidt after wins over England and Wales, would have arrived in the Scottish capital full of confidence, and rightly so.

Their thrilling brand of rugby saw them claim big wins at Twickenham and at the Principality Stadium to revive the prospects of next year's British and Irish Lions Tour. Not bad for a side that had been widely written off following the summer's Rugby Championship.

They were, however, well beaten by a Scottish team desperate to prove they are capable of more than the occasional momentous victory.

It was far from vintage, but Gregor Townsend's men found a way to win, and that should serve as a positive to take into the Six Nations.

Australia started by far the brighter in good Edinburgh conditions. Camped in the Scottish half for the best part of 20 minutes, they mustered just a single penalty for their efforts, and from there the Scots dominated.

Territory proved easy to come by for the hosts, and although they spurned several chances to cross the whitewash, the first try was eventually scored when captain Sione Tuipulotu crashed over off the back of an arrow-like line-out.

The scoreline read 7-3 at the break, still anyone's game, but it was the hosts who imposed themselves at the resumption.

Finn Russell added a penalty before the Scots found some of the fluency they've become known for.

Duhan van der Merwe showed why he's one of the game's deadliest finishers when he stepped and powered over in the corner at the end of a brilliant move, before substitute Josh Bayliss touched down in equally sublime fashion after a trademark Darcy Graham break.

But the best was saved for last. Van der Merwe made the initial break before cutting in and finding Huw Jones, the centre then feeding Blair Kinghorn, who offloaded it in the tackle for Russell to add the final touches as he fell over the line.

It was a move Townsend later confirmed was straight off the training ground and it was Scotland at their best.

Harry Potter produced a moment of magic for a late consolation try but, if anything, the scoreline flattered the lacklustre Aussies.

For Scotland, it was a nice way to end a positive Autumn Nations Series, while the Wallabies will be glad they have a chance to make amends on Saturday, even if it is against a formidable Ireland side.