Autumn Nations Series: Australia forward Will Skelton says 'world class' Scotland will be 'hardest' Test yet

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Australia forward Will Skelton has labelled Scotland "world-class" and says they will be the "hardest" Test for his side. The Wallabies are looking to follow on from impressive victories over England and Wales when they take on Scotland at Murrayfield. Skelton added that his side are fully aware of Australian-born Scotland skipper Sione Tuipulotu.

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Australia forward Will Skelton has insisted Scotland are "world-class" ahead of the pair's Autumn Nations Series meeting on Sunday.

The Wallabies have bounced back from a couple of dismal years by claiming impressive wins against England and Wales in the autumn Tests so far.

And while La Rochelle lock Skelton has claimed that there is "a good buzz" among the squad, he added that the Australia camp is not getting carried away ahead of their encounter with a "world class" Scotland side – live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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The 32-year-old said: "We've won two games, we're very aware of that.

"The Test against Scotland is going to be the hardest one yet. We're excited about this weekend, and we're looking forward to ripping into it.

"Physically, they're up there with the top five in the world. I think set-piece wise they're really strong.

"You've got a guy like Finn Russell who's a maestro at the back there. I think it's going be a close one, and we'll be up for it.

"There's some class players in the Scottish team and, when they're at it, they're world class, so we're going to have to be on top of our game."

Skelton added that his side are fully aware of Australian-born Scotland skipper Sione Tuipulotu.

"He's a class player, good with and without the ball," Skelton said of the 27-year-old.

"It's awesome to see an Australian as a captain as well, playing for another country, which is cool. He's going to be a handful this week, and we'll be ready to try and nullify him as a threat."

Australia are wary of Sione Tuipulotu's threat.

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Australia will have to play without Samu Kerevi, who has been handed a three-game ban for a dangerous tackle in the win over Wales.

Kerevi was initially yellow carded for foul play on Wales' Jac Morgan at the Principality Stadium last Sunday, before it was upgraded to red early in the second half.

On Tuesday, the red card was upheld when the player appeared before an independent three-member disciplinary committee.

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