Townsend sure Scotland have more to show after superb win over Australia

Gregor Townsend insists Scotland can still play better despite ending their 2024 calendar on the high of an impressive 27-13 win over Australia at Murrayfield.

Finn Russell surpassed 400 Test points after scoring one of four Scotland tries and kicking seven points in a game where Scotland led by 21 points at one stage.

Head coach Townsend was delighted to send supporters home happy but was not happy with all aspects of his side's performance on Sunday.

"If you catch me in 10 minutes I'll be in a better mood. There was more in us. We weren't as accurate in the first half," he told BBC Sport.

"It shows we can get a win when we're not playing as well. There were moments in the game that I loved. We saw what it meant to our supporters to get a win against a quality team.

"We're better than some of the aspects today, but I'm proud that the players found a way to win.

"I'm inwardly happy, but if there was a game next week it would be a tough review and there would be a lot of things to improve."

4 and counting for Finn #AsOne pic.twitter.com/xdHfwFajgD

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 24, 2024

Captain Sione Tuipulotu crossed in the first half for Scotland, who led 7-3 at the break after Noah Lolesio's had put Australia in front.

The hosts took command after the break with Duhan van der Merwe, Josh Bayliss and Russell going over in the second half.

Wing wizard Harry Potter scored on his Australia debut to add some credit to the scoreline for the visitors and Scotland showed great defensive resolve after that to ensure no more points were conceded.

Skipper Tuipulotu collected the Hopetoun Cup in front of his grandmother and said: "It was an amazing moment. When she handed over the cup she said 'you got 'em!'

"I'm super happy and it makes the day all worthwhile, when we win like that. We won playing our rugby, we scored some brilliant tries. We know how dangerous our back three is but it was a group effort today and that's what I'm most pleased about."