Player Ratings – Wallabies v Scotland

1. Tom Robertson

Dropped the first scrum and was penalised. 5 runs for the measly total of 1 metre gained. Put on some decent hits on defence and scooped up a loose ball that was out. But should have dominated the relatively inexperienced Fagerson from the first whistle, was subbed shortly after Nel was brought on and folded him twice. – 4

2. Tatafu Polota-Nau

A shocker. After getting in the way of a player running in the correct direction to secure a ball, he then did the same thing again but this time picked it up successfully and throw it to the other team, handing the Scots 7 points. Two overthrows later and Moore was brought on. – 3

4. Sam Carter

The wrong guy to be being used for a half only. Carter didn’t do much wrong this game but purely isn’t an assertive enough second rower on attack. He was lucky we had advantage at one stage when he played sleeping brumby to secure an under pressure ruck. – 5

5. Adam Coleman

Another textbook display of physical dominance, 14/14 tackles. His only mistake was holding the ball loosely for a maul drive, which this year should have been ripped by the Hooker (TPN) or recent history Pocock (maybe Hooper?), either way not entirely his fault. – 7

7. Michael Hooper (c)

“He’s one of the few out there leading the charge” is what Cheika said about Hooper post match. Hooper was at his dynamic best on defence and attack and also ended up with two ruck steals in the first half and was involved in a third at the end of the game that could have won it. – 6

8. Scott Higginbotham

Higgers tried to replicate the success he had playing in the tight against Fiji and just wasn’t able to against the Scots, out pointed and unable to secure fast available ball, he was eventually replaced by Hardwick. – 5

10.  Bernard Foley

Foley had a slow start to the game and was targeted successfully by Scotland with kicks, he dropped one of them. He was then rightfully carded for checking a chaser hot on attack. This lead to first half Scottish points and us chasing the game. Foley had a couple of okay try assists in the first half, but it’s fitting that we lost by the number of points he missed off the tee after posing next to a cringeworthy statue of himself made from ice. – 3 

11. Eto Nabuli

Apparently he made 7 tackles and a staggering 2 linebreaks. He obviously didn’t due much with them. Eto now joins the Michael Hooper club of making your debut with a home loss against Scotland. – 5

13. Tevita Kuridrani

Consistently bent the line, even off poor passes and well behind the advantage line. Being outplayed at the ruck meant despite this dominance in the midfield we were unable to attack effectively off the holes punched. A poor pass to Hodge late in the second half was disappointing. – 5

14. Dane Haylett-Petty

A couple of errors fielding the ball and a poor grubber option in the first half ruined what was an okay game otherwise. One great touch finder when Foley was off makes you wonder why he wouldn’t be the full-time punter. – 4

16. Stephen Moore

He played better than TPN and was sound in the lineout but still offered almost zero go forward in contact. – 5

17. Scott Sio

Okay in the scrum, but didn’t make an impact anywhere else. – 4

19. Rory Arnold

Was having a good game off the bench but dropped a very catchable ball that would have resulted in a close range lineout drive. – 4

20. Richard Hardwick

For the second game in a row has come on with the attitude and enthusiasm needed to close out a game, but couldn’t get there in the end. – 5 

22. Quade Cooper

Probably wouldn’t have been used either, but Hunt’s concussion opened the door. Cooper showed how unlock the rush defence with a mixture of both short and long balls but was unable to provide the final telling blow. – 6

23. Reece Hodge

Went looking for the ball in the second half and never found it. – 4