Deprived of executives like Stuart Hogg, because this match precedes the official window of the autumn test matches for which the internationals must be released by their clubs, the Scots had drawn on the workforce of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
After 10 minutes of total but somewhat messy and sterile domination by the Australians, Scotland managed to score on their first attack.
After a touch won near the 22 opposing meters, opener Blair Kinghorn launched the back Ollie Smith who hooked two opponents before flattening (5-0, 11th).
But apart from a new alert on the Australian line shortly before half an hour, most of the game took place in the Scottish half and the very sure boot of Bernard Foley, with two successful penalties (14th, 40th), allowed the Wallabies to take the lead at the break (6-5).
Opportunistic, the Scots regained the upper hand at the very beginning of the second period.
On a ball dropped by their opponents on the opposing 40 meters, Kinghorn crossed half the field with two low kicks to score a try which he converted (12-6, 43rd).
The Scottish opener made the score worse with a penalty (15-6, 54th), but a yellow card for a dangerous tackle from second line Glen Young on the opposing scrum half in the 56th gave the Australians a numerical advantage who s turned out to be decisive.
This allowed Australia to pick up with a try from prop James Slipper converted by Kinghorn (15-13, 63rd) and eight minutes later, the opener did not flinch to allow his team to come back. in front and to maintain his meager advantage, despite the fright at the very end of the match.
Australia will continue their Test streak with a game against France next week, before heading to Italy and then Ireland and Wales.
Scotland will host Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.
© 2022 AFP