Australia score eight tries to beat Scotland 56-12 in Sydney

Australia beat Scotland 56-12 in the WXV Global Series in Sydney on Saturday, scoring eight tries after the visitors had taken an early lead. BBC Sport reported that the result extended Scotland's losing run to eight matches, including four defeats in the new competition. Desiree Miller and Amelia Whitaker each crossed twice for the Wallaroos in a commanding home victory.

Watch the highlights:

Scotland's preparations were disrupted shortly before kick-off when Sarah Bonar withdrew through illness. Hollie Cunningham replaced the Harlequins lock in the side led by caretaker head coach Dave Butcher. Despite that late change, Katie Buchanan gave the visitors an encouraging start, beating a defender and scoring on the wing within the opening five minutes of her first international start.

Australia answered with five tries before the interval to establish a 35-5 advantage. Brittany Merlo, Maya Stewart, Miller, Whitaker and Waiaria Ellis all scored during the first half. Scotland, who had previously lost their home WXV fixtures against Canada, New Zealand and Australia, were left facing another substantial deficit despite having made the first breakthrough.

Scottish Rugby's match report identified penalties and Australia's strength at the scrum and driving maul as key problems for the visitors. Meryl Smith received a yellow card before Miller's first try, and the Wallaroos continued to exploit space as the half progressed. Miller then added her second shortly after the restart, extending Australia's advantage before Scotland could find a response.

Captain Rachel Malcolm provided that reply from close range after a lineout maul and successive carries, with Helen Nelson converting. Chloe Rollie subsequently came off the bench for her 90th Scotland appearance, becoming the third Scottish woman to reach that total. Scotland enjoyed more attacking opportunities as the second half developed, but could not turn them into further points.

Whitaker intercepted and ran roughly 70 metres for her second try as an attack inside Australia's territory became another Scottish setback. Eva Donaldson was later shown a yellow card, and replacement prop Eva Karpani completed Australia's scoring from a driving maul. Whitaker was named player of the match after a performance that included two of the hosts' eight tries.