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Jubilant Scots target clean sweep

John Barclay drives at the Australians at Murrayfield
Scotland turned in a terrific defensive performance to beat Australia

Scotland are determined to complete a clean sweep of autumn Test wins when Argentina visit Edinburgh on Saturday.

Having toppled Fiji, the Scots dug out a brave win against Australia.

And lock Nathan Hines said: "You can't go beating Australia and then taking your foot off the gas for the last game of the series.

"It makes it a little bit easier that it's our last game and we don't have to look past that, so we can put all our efforts into the game."

The South Americans have lost to England and Wales on this tour but have not lost at Murrayfield since 1990.

And the Pumas can boast a record of seven wins from the nine meetings between the nations.

It just shows that, on our day, we can beat anyone in the world

Alex Grove
Scotland centre

However, Scottish confidence is high after beating Australia for the first time in 27 years.

"If we can dig it out like that in every game, we're going to be in with a shot no matter who we're playing," added Hines, reflecting on the historic win.

"We've got a good confidence about ourselves and know that, under the pump, we can defend for nearly 80 minutes and get a win."

Worcester centre Alex Grove has enjoyed a dream start to international rugby, with two wins from two matches.

And the 21-year-old is gunning for a hat-trick for himself and new head coach Andy Robinson.

"We showed we're capable of beating anyone," said a jubilant Grove after the 9-8 victory on Saturday. "Australia are a quality side and we made it very difficult for them to come and play here.

"It just shows that, on our day, we can beat anyone in the world."

Scotland were penned in their own half for most of the match against the Wallabies and, despite a magnificent defensive effort, the victory owed much to good fortune.

Australia had two tries disallowed - one after a highly controversial ruling from the video referee - and missed two good try-scoring opportunities before Ryan Cross finally touched down in stoppage-time.

Faced with the match-winning conversion, Matt Giteau - who earlier squandered two penalties and a drop goal - shanked his effort to leave the home fans celebrating.

Acknowledging luck had played a part, Grove insisted it arrived as the result of Scotland's hard work, including ensuring Cross did not score under the posts as well as charging down Giteau's last-gasp kick.

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"At this level, the tiny little details are so significant," Grove said.

"The fact that they didn't score under the posts could have been the difference between winning and losing.

"The wider they scored, the harder it was for them to get the conversion.

"With the pressure we put on them as well and the noise the crowd were making, it was really quite intimidating for him (Giteau) and he missed it - ideal.

"The noise at the end was absolutely deafening, but amazing at the same time.

"When the final whistle went, it's a feeling I've never experienced before on the pitch."

Captain Chris Cusiter had to be replaced after suffering a head knock after 20 minutes and may be a doubt for the Argentina clash.



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see also
Robinson praises courageous Scots
21 Nov 09 |  Scottish
Scotland 9-8 Australia
21 Nov 09 |  Scottish
International rugby photos
21 Nov 09 |  Rugby Union
Autumn international rugby as it happened
21 Nov 09 |  Rugby Union
Wallabies wallow in Scottish mud
19 Nov 09 |  Scottish


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