Australia wins badly against Scotland

Australia 33 Scotland 16

Scotland bowed out of the World Cup as expected at Suncorp Stadium, losing 33-16 but in the process virtually shattering Australia's dream of retaining the trophy.

Written off as 15-1 outsiders in a two-horse race, the Scots lightweight pack ravaged their much-vaunted opponents so badly up front that it is almost impossible to see any way the Wallabies could overturn New Zealand in next weekend's semi-final.

Only Lote Tuqiri provided a consistent attacking threat and three second half tries could not gloss over the damage Scotland had inflicted.

A brilliant 45-metre Chris Paterson drop goal deservedly ensured Scotland went into the interval on level terms.

Scotland summoned up all their legendary fire and fervour to strip the Wallabies' World Cup credentials bare.

Three Elton Flatley penalties ensured the hosts were never behind during an opening period in which Paterson also landed two of his own.

Australia's troubles continued for another six minutes until a piece of opportunism from Phil Waugh won his team the ball and when Mortlock juggled Larkham's pass, the Scottish defence momentarily stood off and gave the centre the space he needed to launch a 50-metre charge to the line.

Flatley's conversion widened the gap to seven and now it was Scotland being posed the questions - and it did not look as though they had the answers.

Another Flatley penalty followed Nathan Sharpe's storming run down the heart of the field.

Matt Giteau replaced Larkham as Australia attempted to seal victory, and another try duly arrived when another barnstorming Tuqiri run ripped the Scottish defence to shreds and skipper George Gregan followed his own kick to score under the posts.

Lyons barged his way over 15 minutes from time as the floodgates threatened to open, although it just brought a dogged response from the Scots, and the Wallabies defence was fully stretched to keep them out.

Fittingly, it was the Scots who finished on top and they went out in style as Aussie-born replacement hooker Robert Russell was barged over the Wallabies line.