SCOTLAND suffered another Rugby World Cup defeat after a heartbreaking 14-12 loss to Australia in Whangarei this morning.

The game kicked off at 3am bst and the Borders trio of Chloe Rollie, Lisa Thomson and Lana Skeldon all started the match at the Northland Events Centre.

A try from Borderer Lana Skeldon from a maul opened the score and a penalty try gave Scotland a 12-0 half time lead but Australia turned things around after the break.

Bienne Terita and Ashley Marsters both crossed for the Wallaroos and both tries were converted.  

Australia finished a breathless game with 13 players but held on for the win.

Scotland now have to beat New Zealand next Saturday to keep their hopes of progression alive.

After the final whistle Skipper Rachael Malcolm said: “It's pretty tough. We really capitalised on the pressure we had in the first half.

"From an attacking point of view we showed a lot more than we did last week.

 “I'm really pleased of the effort and the attitude from the girls put in from start to finish today.

"It’s about learning in these big games about how we finish it off. It’s been a steep learning curve for us these last few weeks.

“But we have another opportunity next week to finish on a good performance.”

The Scots face hosts New Zealand next week.

Scotland: Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Smith, Helen Nelson, Caity Mattinson; Molly Wright, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Rachel McLachlan, Jade Konkel.

Replacements: Jodie Rettie, Leah Bartlett, Elliann Clarke, Lyndsay O'Donnell, Mairi McDonald, Sarah Law, Evie Wills, Shona Campbell.

The full match report will ne in next week’s edition of the Border Telegraph