Australia’s eight tries hand Scotland their eighth consecutive loss

Australia overwhelmed Scotland 56‑12 in the WXV Global Series match at Sydney’s stadium on 17 October 2026, marking the Scots’ eighth straight defeat and their fourth loss in the new competition after setbacks to Canada, New Zealand and the hosts on home soil.

The Wallaroos have now secured two victories, both against Scotland, after earlier defeats to England and France. Their 30‑10 win in Edinburgh lifted them above the hosts in the world rankings.

Scotland entered the game under caretaker coach Dave Butcher after lock Sarah Bonar withdrew with illness, prompting the inclusion of Bristol Bears prop Hollie Cunningham. The visitors started brightly, with wing Katie Buchanan sprinting to the try line in the fifth minute of her first international start to give Scotland an early lead.

Australia answered quickly. Hooker Brittany Merlo crossed in the 17th minute to level the scores, and six minutes later wing Maya Stewart added another try, both conversions taken by Samantha Wood.

The hosts seized control after centre Meryl Smith was sent to the sin‑bin. Desiree Miller, Amelia Whitaker and Ellis each scored, pushing the half‑time score to 35‑5 in Australia’s favour.

Miller added a second try two minutes after the restart, but Scotland fought back. Captain Rachel Malcolm brushed the line and was awarded a try, with Helen Nelson converting. The Scots held out for almost another twenty minutes before Whitaker broke through for her second try with fifteen minutes remaining.

In the final seconds Australia completed the scoring when Eva Karpani grounded the ball after Scotland’s second‑row Eva Donaldson received a yellow card.

The full try‑scoring list for Australia was Merlo, Stewart, Miller (2), Whitaker (2), Ellis and Karpani, with Wood converting six of them. Scotland’s tries came from Buchanan and Malcolm, with Nelson adding the conversion.