This was published 7 years ago
Wallabies were not switched on to begin with against Scotland, says Michael Cheika
By Tom Decent
Edinburgh: Michael Cheika says the Wallabies were not 100 per cent switched on from the get-go against Scotland but he was relieved to see them be up for the "scrap" and grind out a 23-22 win to keep their grand slam hopes alive.
The Wallabies, for the second time in 13 months, overcame Scotland by a solitary point in what was almost the same script as last year's memorable World Cup quarter-final.
Instead of an 80th minute Bernard Foley penalty, it was a Tevita Kuridrani try five minutes from full-time that put the Wallabies ahead 23-22 before a resolute defensive effort in a frantic final few minutes once again saw Michael Cheika's men sink the hearts of Scottish fans.
Cheika always believed Australia could claw their way back in front but made the point the Wallabies lacked firepower early despite a good week of preparation in his eyes.
Momentum: Stephen Moore is tackled by Jonny Gray of Scotland.Credit: Ian MacNicol
"I'd say we didn't have 100 percent match focus today," Cheika said. "The reason I say that is because I see it in the line speed in defence, which is standard at this level. When you come out and don't do that I equate that to maybe not having the focus necessary at the right level.
"I don't think it [a lack of focus] was there during the week but when it manifests itself in a way that you can see technically and tactically on the field, you've got to acknowledge it. That's something we'll be working hard on.
"They [Scotland] were fired up for it. We didn't get the cleanliness of our game that we wanted. But we know there's going to be games on this tour where you've just got to scrap it out and we were able to do that."
Australia's second victory from as many matches on their spring tour puts them halfway to achieving what no Wallabies team has done since 1984 – win a European grand slam.
Scotland outscored Australia three tries to two but the accurate boot of Bernard Foley kept the Wallabies nipping at the hosts' heels.
Australia got to within six points of Scotland when Will Skelton was sent to the sin-bin in the 69th minute for foul play while trying to clear out a ruck.
It was a brain explosion that could have cost the Wallabies the match and one Cheika was far from pleased about.
"He's got to put his arms around that guy and he knows that. It's ill-disciplined from him," Cheika said. "He doesn't have to do it. It's after the whistle. We had our own penalty. I don't even need to tell him so I don't think he'll be worried about me saying it here."
Captain Stephen Moore knew victory would not present itself on a silver platter, so he instead trusted that if the Wallabies executed their game plans they would give themselves every chance of drawing ahead at the final stages.
"I was just proud of how the boys hung in there and stuck to the game plan at the end," Moore said. "I knew when we were within six [points] that we just had to keep going at it. We are well aware of how Scotland were going to play and they did that ... they put pressure on our ball around the ruck, they slowed the flow of our game."
After eliminating Scotland in similar circumstances at the World Cup, Moore said he felt sorry in a way for the hosts, who led by as much as nine points in the second half thanks to a double to outside-centre Huw Jones.
"Of course it's always better to be on the right side of the result and we know what it feels like to be on the other side," Moore said. "I feel for Scotland as well. It's not a nice way to finish a game but we have enormous respect for them as a team and that's why we're very happy with the result."
SCOTLAND 22 (Huw Jones 2, Jonny Gray tries; Greig Laidlaw 2 conversions; Greig Laidlaw 1 penalty) defeated by AUSTRALIA 23 (Reece Hodge, Tevita Kuridrani; Foley 2 conversions; Foley 3 penalties) at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. Referee: John Lacey.