Scots face 'tough job' - Williams

Head coach Matt Williams today admitted Scotland face a “massive task” in Sunday’s first Test against Australia in Melbourne but backed his players to rise to the challenge.

Williams has made two changes from the side that beat Samoa 38-3 last Friday, reinstating Dan Parks at fly-half and replacing the injured Chris Paterson with Hugo Southwell at full-back.

The Wallabies made four changes – three of them injury-enforced – from the starting side that pushed England so close in the World Cup final, but Williams knows what challenges lie ahead.

“You have got one of the finalists from the World Cup, one of the top-ranked teams in the world and it is a very tough job for any team,” said Williams.

“Certainly with the number of injuries we have at present and the lack of experience in the back line, especially with Chris Paterson out, it’s a massive task for us.

“But it’s not something we are running away from. We will really enjoy it - to take on the Wallabies is very good for this team.”

Parks, who was born in Sydney, was among the replacements for the Samoa game but his kicking form in training has been enough to hold off the challenge from Gordon Ross and he will start under the roof at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome.

Edinburgh’s Southwell made his Test debut from the bench last Friday after Paterson suffered an horric triple fracture of the cheekbone.

The 24-year-old slots into the starting line-up, with centre Graeme Morrison rewarded for his outstanding display against the NSW Waratahs with promotion into the 22-man Test squad for the first time in his career.

“Dan as been in all of the Test squads except France. He started against Ireland and the Barbarians. He has earned his position there,” said Williams.

“Gordon Ross has improved out of sight on this trip. We are absolutely delighted with him and it was a very close decision, but (it was made after) reviewing the last few games and the kicking stats. The loss of Chris Paterson means those boys will have to kick.

“Hugo’s form on the tour, and for Edinburgh on the wing, has earned him that spot. We have now got a left-footer in the back three with Southwell which is a big plus as well.”

Morrison has been one of the biggest finds for Williams on this trip, particularly after finishing the first game against Queensland shellshocked by the pace and intensity of the rugby.

“Graeme Morrison has had two outstanding games,” he said.

“I have always fancied him as a 12 rather than outside centre and he certainly fulfilled my expectations the other night against NSW.

“To be marked by Nathan Grey, who is a quality player, and perform as he did - he has earned his place on the bench.”

Scotland’s victory over Samoa might have been impressive, but Australia promise a very different challenge.

Although there are two new faces in the Wallabies line-up – centre Clyde Rathbone and Radike Samo who will play blindside flanker – 16 of their 22-man squad were involved in the World Cup final against England last year.

Williams is confident his side, invigorated and inspired by their first Test victory of the year last week, will rise to the challenge.

“We had a very good performance against Samoa and we are looking to have a performance that equals that,” said Williams.

“We set our own standards against Samoa and we are looking to maintain these standards.

“Obviously the opposition the Wallabies will provide will be substantially increased from what Samoa offered so we have to make sure that we not only maintain those standards but take it forward.”

Scotland have not beaten Australia since 1982 and their last meeting was in the World Cup quarter-final last year when the Wallabies were forced to battle hard early before prevailing 33-16.

:: Scotland team to play Australia in Melbourne on Sunday is: H Southwell; S Lamont, B Hinshelwood, A Henderson, S Webster; D Parks, C Cusiter; T Smith, G Bulloch, B Douglas, S Grimes, S Murray (captain), J White, D MacFadyen, A Hogg.

Replacements: S Scott, C Smith, I Fullarton, J Petrie, M Blair, G Ross, G Morrison.