SYDNEY — Australia powered to a commanding 56-12 victory over Scotland in Sydney, running in eight tries in their WXV Global Series clash to condemn the visitors to an eighth straight defeat. The hosts turned a bright Scottish start into a dominant display, leading 35-5 at half-time before completing the scoring in the closing seconds.
Scotland, led by caretaker head coach Dave Butcher, had lost Sarah Bonar to illness shortly before kick-off, with Bristol Bears' Hollie Cunningham replacing the Harlequins lock, but started brightly. Katie Buchanan marked her first international start by collecting the ball on the wing, beating a defender and sprinting over for a fifth-minute lead, which Scotland held until the 17th minute when hooker Brittany Merlo went over to level. Wing Maya Stewart added a second six minutes later, both converted by Samantha Wood, before Australia took complete control after centre Meryl Smith was sent to the sin-bin, with Desiree Miller, Amelia Whitaker and Ellis all crossing to establish the 35-5 interval advantage.
Miller claimed her second try two minutes after the restart, but Scotland replied soon after when captain Rachel Malcolm would not be denied close to the line and Helen Nelson added the conversion. The visitors then held out for close to 20 minutes before Whitaker broke clear for her second with 15 minutes remaining, and Eva Karpani completed the eight-try haul in the closing seconds after Scotland lost second row Eva Donaldson to a yellow card. Wood finished with six conversions and Moleka added two, while Buchanan and Malcolm scored Scotland's tries.
The result leaves Scotland with four defeats from four in the new competition, having also lost to Canada, New Zealand and Australia in their home ties, while Australia have now won twice in the tournament — both against the Scots — after defeats by England and France. Their earlier 30-10 win in Edinburgh had lifted Australia above Scotland in the world rankings, and this comprehensive follow-up in Sydney underlined the gap as Scotland's search for revenge ended in another chastening loss.