Injury-time penalty gives Scotland dramatic victory over Australia

Greig Laidlaw kicked three penalties for Scotland.SNS Group

An injury-time penalty from Greig Laidlaw gave Scotland a memorable victory in dreadful conditions in Newcastle.

The Edinburgh man was the hero for Andy Robinson’s side, scoring all the team’s points in a match hampered by wind and rain. The result was only Scotland’s second win in Australia, their first having come in 1982.

Laidlaw made amends for an early penalty miss by scoring his second attempt to give the Scots the lead. He then doubled the visitors’ advantage minutes later as Australia struggled to contain Robinson’s men.

However, they closed the gap when Michael Harris was on target with the boot.

Behind by three points at the interval, the hosts came out and levelled matters with a low kick, avoiding the wind that was swirling around the stadium.

Australia thought they had scored the game’s opening try but the officials ruled it out as they felt the ball wasn't grounded.

A missed penalty was to cost the Wallabies as Scotland dug in with some superb defending – and they got their reward when Laidlaw was given the chance to win the match.

He made no mistake to spark wild scenes of celebration.

Scotland captain Ross Ford said: "When we had the ball we made the most of it and eventually it came our way.

"It was phenomenal. Australia are a great team and to win away from home is fantastic."

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