Autumn Nations Series: Scotland star Rory Darge excited by challenge of facing 'very confrontational' Australia

Scotland face Australia at Murrayfield on Sunday in what looks set to be the blockbuster match of the weekend in the Autumn Nations Series. The Wallabies head north on a high following big wins over England and Wales, but Scotland flanker Rory Darge has told TNT Sports that the task of stalling their "momentum" is "an exciting challenge." "They are going to be very confrontational," he warned.

Scotland vice-captain Rory Darge has told TNT Sports he is expecting a "very confrontational" Australia side when the two teams clash in Edinburgh on Sunday.

The Wallabies head north on a high after superb back-to-back wins over England and Wales so far in the Autumn Nations Series.

Joe Schmidt’s side, who host the British & Irish Lions tour next summer, have the chance to make it three from three in Scotland, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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A victory would then tee up a chance for a rare British Isles Grand Slam in their final Test against Ireland a week later.

But Darge warned that he and his Scottish team-mates are ready for the challenge in their final game of the autumn at Murrayfield, following wins over Fiji and Portugal and a hard-fought defeat to world champions South Africa.

"I think that momentum they have makes it an exciting challenge for us," Darge told TNT Sports pundit and former Scotland captain Rory Lawson.

"It’s an opportunity to go up against a team that is really in form right now.

Highlights: Eight-try Australia inflict record 11th straight defeat on Wales

Video credit: TNT Sports

"They are going to be very confrontational with ball in hand. We’re massively excited for the challenge."

Darge has been named at openside flanker for the game on Sunday, which will conclude Scotland’s Autumn Nations Series.

Gregor Townsend’s side battled hard but could not take their chances in a 32-15 defeat to South Africa in a match sandwiched by victories over Fiji and Portugal that were as handsome as widely expected.

"With the Fijians historically, you never know what to expect, so we did well in that game," Darge said.

"Then against South Africa we had a massive physical challenge. There was a massive change in the team for the Portugal game, but the boys did really well."    

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The opening win over Fiji, where the Scots ran in eight tries, was lit up by a moment of magic from fly-half Adam Hastings, who produced a sensational offload to set up one of the scores.

Darge said: "I wasn’t sure how he did it or what actually happened! There was some stunning stuff from the backs in that game."

Reflecting on the defeat to the double world champion Springboks, the Glasgow Warriors loose forward added: "We went into it full of confidence and we went at them, we swung. We didn’t die wondering."

Highlights: Scotland run riot at Murrayfield against brave Portugal

Video credit: TNT Sports

The revitalised Wallabies head to Edinburgh in top form, but their lock Will Skelton warned ahead of the game that "the Test against Scotland is going to be the hardest one yet" following wins in London and Cardiff.

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

Former Australia international Matt Giteau also said he expects a "spicy one" when speaking to the Autumn Nations Rugby Show.

"This is a big Test. I believe people from the Southern Hemisphere underestimate how good Scotland are," he said.

"I think Scotland are a great team, they've got an amazing back line especially. Jack Dempsey, Sione Tuipulotu as captain - it's going to be a spicy one this weekend."

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