Scotland v Australia: Nations Championship rugby union – live
Today’s match marks the 28th time that Russell and White have started together at half-back for Scotland.
That draws them level with Gregor Townsend and Bryan Redpath, who formed one of Scotland’s most enduring combinations.
Russell, incidentally, is on 96 caps and closing in on his own century, which he’ll reach in the Six Nations in front of his own fans against Wales on 13 February if his fitness permits.
Does history every count?
Australia have traditionally held the upper hand in this fixture, but Scotland have won four of the last five meetings. Their most recent encounter ended in a comfortable 27-13 victory at Murrayfield in November 2024. The Wallabies’ only victory over Scotland since 2017 was a narrow 16-15 triumph in Edinburgh four years ago.
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Australia have reshuffled their side following last weekend’s heavy defeat by England, with Carter Gordon returning at fly-half after recovering from a broken leg.
The former rugby league recruit replaces Ben Donaldson and forms a half-back partnership with Ryan Lonergan.
An injury to Isaac Henry sees Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shift into midfield alongside Len Ikitau, with Harry Potter coming onto the wing. Up front, Rob Valetini returns to the starting side at blindside flanker, while Jeremy Williams moves back into the second row alongside Josh Canham.
Captain Harry Wilson continues at No 8, with Fraser McReight completing a formidable back row. The Wallabies have struggled for consistency throughout the Nations Championship and will be looking to arrest their slide against a Scotland side that has enjoyed the better of this fixture in recent years.
Australia: Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; Carter Gordon, Ryan Lonergan; Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (capt).
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.
Gregor Townsend has made just two changes to the side beaten 43-21 by New Zealand last weekend, restoring Blair Kinghorn at full-back and Scotland’s record try-scorer Darcy Graham on the wing.
Kyle Rowe drops out of the squad altogether, while Jamie Dobie moves to the bench. The pack remains unchanged, with Ewan Ashman retaining his place at hooker after scoring a remarkable hat-trick against the All Blacks.
Finn Russell and Ben White combine at half-back for the 28th time, while captain Sione Tuipulotu continues his midfield partnership with Huw Jones.
Newcastle back-rower Ollie Leatherbarrow could make his international debut from a six-two bench. Scotland have won four of their last five meetings with Australia, including a 27-13 victory at Murrayfield in 2024, and will be desperate to maintain that record after another frustrating defeat by the All Blacks.
Scotland: Blair Kinghorn; Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (capt), Darcy Graham; Finn Russell, Ben White; Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, Zander Fagerson, Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey.
Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Pierre Schoeman, Will Hurd, Max Williamson, Josh Bayliss, Ollie Leatherbarrow, Jamie Dobie, Tom Jordan.
Hello all. It’s been a heck of a weekend for European rugby. Famous victories for France and Wales. Can Scotland keep the flag flying, or will the a wounded Wallabies outfit get one over the line for the southern giants?
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