Wilson vows Wallabies will rise to Wales challenge after narrow Scotland defeat extends losing run to four

Australia captain Harry Wilson has called on his side to channel their improved defensive display into a result against Wales next week, after the Wallabies fell 15-12 to Scotland at Murrayfield in the November Nations Championship, extending their losing run to four matches.

Former Wallabies back-rower Jack Dempsey crossed for the hosts in the first half to give Scotland a lead they would not relinquish. Finn Russell extended the advantage to 10 points with a penalty inside the final five minutes, before Max Jorgensen’s late try gave Australia a chance at a comeback. Scotland held on, having led for more than 70 per cent of the match and controlling possession in the closing stages. The Wallabies also conceded three of the last five penalties as the comeback fell short.

“We’ve got to review this hard,” Wilson said after the final whistle. “It was a step forward but it wasn’t a win. We want to win.”

The defeat follows a 45-22 opening loss to England, in which Henry Pollock came off the bench to score two tries and help the hosts pull clear. Australia’s four-match skid stretches back to the Bledisloe Cup series, when the All Blacks swept the series.

Despite the result, Wilson pointed to the team’s physical commitment as a positive. Fraser McReight led all players with 29 tackles, while Jorgensen topped the chart with three line breaks. Harry Potter had given Australia an early foothold against Scotland, though the Wallabies would not score again until Jorgensen’s effort nearly 70 minutes later.

“I’m really proud of the group’s bounce back. Last week we weren’t happy with that and we wanted to come out and show some physical intent,” Wilson said. “We’re not happy with the results but Scotland in Scotland, it’s a tough game. We weren’t far away there in the end which is just disappointing.”

Australia now face a Wales side brimming with confidence after claiming their first victory over New Zealand in more than 70 years, winning 35-28 on Saturday. Wilson acknowledged the scale of the task but insisted his squad would be ready.

“We saw what Wales did to New Zealand on the weekend. They’re going to be a tough opponent with a lot of confidence, but this group — we’re going to be up for the challenge.”

Wilson also highlighted the character his side showed in refusing to concede the game even in the final minute. “The boys fronted up. It was an arm-wrestle… but we’ve got to be better at icing those big moments. Even with a minute on the clock we didn’t give up and we nearly got there.”