I was immensely proud of Scotland’s performance. They were magnificent. And they did not lose this game. The underdogs came second with heads held high but there is just no escaping the pain. I said on Saturday that Scotland had to stay in the game for a chance to win and they did just that — and more. But, my goodness, what cruel luck and heartbreak. I was shattered at the final whistle. Scotland were in touching distance of a semi-final but Australia were ruthless throughout their error-strewn display.
The Aussies scored five tries to Scotland’s three and that in itself tells the story of their win. Bernard Foley, who couldn’t kick for toffee in the first half, nailed every kick in the second half including the killer penalty with less than a minute left on the clock. While big hearts can also win games, small margins and errors have a habit of kicking Scotland where it hurts most.
The ricochet ball that was adjudged to have come off Josh Strauss actually came off Nick Phipps the replacement Australian scrum half. Craig Joubert instantly penalised Jon Welsh whose automatic instinct saw him latch onto ball but television replays showed clearly it had come from Phipps. It was devilishly cruel on Scotland. Many viewers will have wondered why the television match official did not intervene but under the complex laws of rugby union he can intervene only on foul play and infringements in the act of scoring. However, Joubert was wrong.
If that wasn’t bad enough luck it was the lineout throw in in the first place that did not meet its target. A double whammy after Scotland had done everything to win this compelling game. The collective effort was clear to see and each player took on his own responsibility to carry ball to the Australians. Scotland have put pride back in the Scotland jersey and for me they have to utilise this performance and immediately set the target to win the Six Nations next year.
More importantly, the team have surely inspired those who play and follow Scottish rugby. As supporters, it is vital that we really got behind them.
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The front row were magnificent and the pack played with admirable self-belief. Alasdair Dickinson and Willem Nel outshone their fancied opposition. Undoubtedly the inclusion of Ross Ford and Jonny Gray acted as a catalyst. Their inclusion galvanised the pack but you must also applaud the acceptance of both Fraser Brown and Tim Swinson to step down from the starting line-up to the bench and for Kevin Bryce and Alasdair Strokosch to sit out this game. That decision must have been tough on those players but the unity shown in this squad is a symbol of their strength.
Australia missed David Pocock but Cotter’s decision to play Blair Cowan at No 8 alongside John Hardie was also a masterstroke. Cowan in particular was disruptive at the breakdown and his impact across the game was impressive, as was that of David Denton. His focus and concentration were spot on yesterday; this is the type of performance that we need to see every time he takes the pitch in club and national colours.
In the backs Greig Laidlaw kept Scotland in the game with his accurate kicking and wonderful leadership. He was the fulcrum. Laidlaw has shown brilliant leadership through this tournament and it was gut wrenching to listen to his post-match disbelief that Scotland had lost that game.
Outside him, Finn Russell changed his game plan time and time again; varying his kicking to release pressure and attacking the gainline. His link play with Peter Horne was instinctive and the latter’s awareness to score Scotland’s first try was all about what his forwards had given him; the platform from which to attack.
Russell continued to mix his game in the second half and it was his charge down that created Tommy Seymour’s electrifying try but if you thought that the noise in the stadium was loud, it was nothing to compared to the reception that greeted Mark Bennet’s try. He intercepted ball from James Slipper, who rather bizarrely had ended up in the fly half position. Slipper’s uncertainty and delayed pass came from an excellent Scottish press defence that forced the error — and in that moment the game was Scotland’s.
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It is really hard to criticise Scotland but they did not deal with the kick-off well. I was so caught up in the emotion that when Russell caught the ball I had called for him to mark the ball during my television commentary. Quite clearly a player can’t do that. However it was Russell’s pass to Hogg that had Scotland in all sorts of bother and, having conceded territory with a few minutes until the final whistle, the horror story unfolded.
Joubert’s decision still hurts — an accidental offside it was but a penalty was given and that small margin sent Scotland out of the competition. This team have restored a nation’s pride. They have been part of a wonderful story. We tend to measure success in wins and the history books will record a victory to Australia but anyone who was there, or watched from afar, will know that Scotland were just moments from glory.
How they saw it on Twitter
The referee protocol suggests that the TMO is not in place for decisions like that last penalty!! To hell with protocol when it’s so crucial Lawrence Dallaglio @dallaglio8
It would appear ref can’t go to TMO for penalty call. If not, why not, when it has such huge bearing? And could Joubert not use big screen? Simon Thomas @simonrug
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Accusations of redf not going to TMO for penalty. He should also have checked double movement on Aussie try -looked doubtful #SCOvAUS David Sole @davidsole678
Was it a penalty or not ?? The one thing for sure is when the TMO should have been consulted he wasn’t....unbelievable !! Ian Botham?@BeefyBotham
Whether it’s right or wrong call, surely the tmo MUST be used to put any doubt to bed?!!!! Joubert’s tournament may well be over. Rory Lawson?@rorylawson9
Gutted @Scotlandteam - how on earth must they be feeling - one restart cost them everything b tough call and should have gone to TMO Sir Clive Woodward @CliveWoodward
The commentators calling for a red are joking right! Mike Tindall @miketindall13
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@StuartWHOGG_15 you boys be proud mate. Gutted for you guys. If anyone can understand it’s the Welsh! Congrats buddy Sam Warburton @samwarburton