Heavy rain and strong wind gusts threaten Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Sunday, November 15, as Australia face Scotland in Round Five of the Nations Championship.
Les Kiss’ side enters the fixture following three straight defeats since beating the Springboks in September, most recently dropping a 22-45 match against England in London.
“We want to do the jersey proud, and we’re sort of in a slump at the moment as a team, and I think that’s even more motivation to want to go out there and put out a good performance as a team,” loose forward Rob Valetini told reporters, according to a preview published by [rugby365.com].
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend addressed the wet weather forecast during midweek training preparations.
“Look, if it’s going to be wet, I think both teams who like to move the ball realise defence is going to be very important, your decision-making around the use of possession is going to be important, but you’ve got to play physical rugby, you’ve got to be very good in the transitions if there’s more kicking, so we’ll adapt,” Townsend said, according to [rugby365.com].
Scotland deploys a potent backline featuring wing Darcy Graham, wing Kyle Steyn, and fullback Blair Kinghorn, directed by flyhalf Finn Russell. Australia counters with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returning to the No.13 jersey in the midfield alongside inside center Len Ikitau.
“That's something we've been working towards throughout this whole week. All the boys are hurting from the week that's just gone,” loose forward Rob Valetini told reporters.
Scotland selects Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, and Zander Fagerson in the front row, backed by locks Scott Cummings and Gregor Brown. The loose trio features Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, and Jack Dempsey, with Ben White partnering Russell at halfback.
Australia starts Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, and Allan Alaalatoa in the front row, with Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams locking the scrum.
Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, and captain Harry Wilson form the loose forward combination, while Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon direct the backline.
New Zealand referee James Doleman takes charge of the 15.10 UK and Ireland kick-off, assisted by compatriots Paul Williams and Angus Mabey, with English TMO Andrew Jackson overseeing the television match official duties. Rugby365 predicts a nine-point victory for Scotland.
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