Scotland capitalized on early opportunities to establish a 12-5 halftime advantage behind tries from Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey. Winger Harry Potter kept Australia in contention before both attacks ground to a halt during a scoreless stretch lasting over 45 minutes. A late Finn Russell penalty provided crucial breathing room, ensuring Max Jorgensen's converted score in the final minute came too late to alter the outcome.
Key points
Finn Russell pushed Scotland beyond reach with a penalty kick delivered six minutes befor…: Finn Russell pushed Scotland beyond reach with a penalty kick delivered six minutes before full time.
Max Jorgensen scored a try converted by Ben Donaldson in the final minute of the match.: Max Jorgensen scored a try converted by Ben Donaldson in the final minute of the match.
The narrow defeat adds to the growing difficulties facing Australia ahead of hosting next…: The narrow defeat adds to the growing difficulties facing Australia ahead of hosting next year's World Cup.
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EDINBURGH, Nov 15 : Scotland held on for a narrow 15-12 win over Australia in the Nations Championship at Murrayfield on Sunday, deepening the gloom for next year's World Cup hosts.
Both sides scored two tries in an attritional and error-ridden battle that featured few moments of quality and a scoreless spell lasting more than 45 minutes.
Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey went over for Scotland in the opening 27 minutes and Finn Russell added a conversion for a 12-5 halftime lead.
Russell's penalty stretched the advantage to 15-5 with six minutes remaining, before Max Jorgensen crossed in the final minute and Ben Donaldson converted. Australia had opened their account through winger Harry Potter's first-half try.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis)
Strong continental fixture performances propelled the Atlas Lions past traditional football powerhouses Brazil and Portugal in points. Managed by Mohamed Ouhabi, the squad became the first African team to achieve this status since Nigeria reached fifth in 1994. The milestone highlights a sustained period of success that includes back-to-back deep runs on the global tournament stage.
The 71-year-old pontiff's stop in Cusco represents a key physical milestone during his 12-day South American tour across Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru following a recent operation to remove part of his lung. Returning to a country where he previously served as a missionary and bishop, he continues to use his regional journey to energize local Catholic communities, advocate for the impoverished, and condemn violence.
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