This fixture is always a fan favourite at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, renowned for delivering thrilling moments and captivating rugby. From Scotland's unforgettable 53-24, try-filled triumph in 2017 to their heartbreaking one-point loss in 2022, this match-up never fails to deliver.
Battle for the Hopetoun Cup
Scotland and Australia will face off with the winners claiming the Hopetoun Cup, named after John Hope, 7th Earl of Hopetoun (1860–1908). Hope, a Scotsman, was the former Governor-General of Australia and presided over the Federation of Australia in 1901.
Australia are the current holders, having won the cup 11 times, while Scotland have lifted it on five occasions. The last contest for the Hopetoun Cup was in 2022, with Australia securing victory by a single point.
Head-to-Head
Scotland and Australia have met on 34 occasions, with the Wallabies holding the upper hand, claiming 22 victories to Scotland's 12.
However, Scotland have been more dominant in recent years, winning three of their last five encounters. The history of this rivalry is laden with drama: three of the last six meetings have been decided by just one point (2015, 2016, and 2022). Another nail-biter seems likely in this series finale.
This is the fourth time Gregor Townsend and Joe Schmidt will meet each other as head coaches in Test rugby, with the first being at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Overall, Schmidt has won each of his three Tests against Townsend by an aggregate score of 77-24.
Recent Form
Scotland head into this game off the back of a resounding 59-21 win over Portugal last weekend, making it two wins from three in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series. Their only loss in their last seven Test matches came against reigning world champions South Africa.
Australia, who have struggled for form in 2024, are finally starting to click under new head coach Joe Schmidt. While there were encouraging signs during the 2024 Rugby Championship, results still went against the Wallabies.
However, they have entered this Autumn Nations Series firing on all cylinders, claiming two wins from two against European opposition. They first edged out England 37-24 with a last-minute try and then dismantled a struggling Welsh side 52-20 in a controlled and brutal performance, despite being down to 14 men for parts of game.
The Wallabies recent win against Wales was their biggest against any European side since a 68-22 victory against Russia at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Team News
Australia are likely to be without star centre Samu Kerevi, whose yellow card from the weekend was upgraded to a 20-minute red card after a decision made in the ‘bunker’ following a high tackle on Jac Morgan.
Kerevi, who earned his 50th cap for the Wallabies last weekend, will likely play no further part in the Autumn Nations Series.
Reflecting on the victory, Schmidt downplayed talk of a Grand Slam sweep of the home nations. “We’ve got massive respect for Scotland. They play fast, put pressure on the breakdown, and have a strong loose forward trio. Finn Russell adds magic in the backline, and Darcy Graham has been exceptional,” Schmidt said.
James Slipper could win his 143rd test cap to move past Sergio Parisse as the fourth most capped player in men’s Test history, behind only Alun Wyn Jones (171), Sam Whitelock (153) and Richie McCaw (148).
