It wasn't pretty but the Wallabies found a way to win, holding on to defeat Scotland 16-15.
In a tense encounter, it came down to the goal kickers; Bernard Foley hit and Blair Kinghorn missed chances in the final ten minutes.
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After a series of tough defeats in 2022, to end up on the right side of a game like this will do wonders for Dave Rennie's men as they begin their tour on a high note.
So what did we learn from the match?
1.Finding a way
The Wallabies took a step forward from last year's Spring Tour, somehow closing out the game against Scotland.
They found themselves firmly with their backs against the wall, trailing 15-6 just after the break.
The yellow card to Glen Young, very lucky not to be red, was the slim opening needed to strike as player of the match James Slipper finished off a great team try.
Bernard Foley’s calmness proved decisive, living up to the 'Ice Man' moniker as he went perfect from the tee.
After two out of three games last year finished with a Wallabies defeat inside a penalty kick, games like this going their way can make or break a tour.
2. Breakdown battle
As they prepare for France, their attacking breakdown has to be the key work-on.
The visitors were caught out early as they got momentum from some nice attacking raids but couldn’t do anything with it as Scotland got over the ball time and time again.
Dave Rennie was unimpressed with how Jamie Ritchie has his hands past the breakdown but it reflects their inability to effectively clean out, leaving McDermott to deal with messy ball across the contest.
3. Perfect combo
The combination of Tate McDermott and Nic White proved key to the Wallabies’ success, delivering a lethal one-two punch.
McDermott’s lightning pace got the visitors on the front foot early, finding success as he darted from the ruck.
When he went off for a HIA, White’s experience shone through as he guided Australia home.
He drew the penalty to give Foley a chance to put Australia in front late before a perfect darting dropkick killed the game after Kinghorn’s missed penalty.
Taniela Tupou was dynamic before his late infringement whilst the likes of Fainga’a and Hanigan put in solid shifts.
4. Greed costs Scots
Scotland will be rueing missed opportunities, allowing the Wallabies back into the contest and escape with victory at the end.
They were overly aggressive with their decision-making in the first half, twice turning down automatic points to hunt for the try despite having limited territory.
Credit must go to the goal-line defence, particularly Rob Valetini, as well as the maul defence, with locks Nick Frost and Cadeyrn Neville producing their best performances in gold.
It proved the difference in the game, leaving Scottish coach Grigor Townsend wondering what could've been.
5. Discipline issues linger
James Slipper’s one wish before the game was for the Wallabies to have a disciplined game. The genie didn’t listen.
The Wallabies still gave away easy penalties, allowing Scotland to march down the field and relieve pressure.
They also stepped over the mark with the backchat to referee Luke Pearce at times, Hunter Paisami marched ten to put the hosts in position to attack 5 metres out as multiple players role-played as captains
Ironically, the one time they should've given away a penalty they didn't as several offside players left the ball free for Kinghorn to tee it forward and score just after the break
