Australia 19 Scotland 24: Finn Russell celebrates British and Irish Lions call-up by inspiring famous win Down Under

Jun 17, 2017

FINN RUSSELL celebrated his British and Irish Lions call up by helping Scotland record a historic win over Australia.

The fly-half scored a try in a 24-19 upset, with Duncan Taylor and Hamish Watson also crossing.

Finn Russell did his chances of forcing his way into Warren Gatland's Test plans no harm — Finn Russell did his chances of forcing his way into Warren Gatland’s Test plans no harm with a try-scoring display

Glasgow Warriors star Russell converted all three scores and Greig Tonks slotted an early penalty.

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His display will come as a huge boost as he prepares to link up with Warren Gatland’s Lions alongside team-mate Allan Dell.

Scotland have now recorded successive wins Down Under after beating the Wallabies in 2012 – moving into fourth in the world rankings in the process.

Tonks’ penalty – his first points in Test rugby – and an early Taylor try had the Scots in a 10-0 lead.

Scotland skipper John Barclay holds the Hopetoun Cup which has been up for grabs in Tests between the two countries since 1998

Allan Dell is joining Finn Russell on Lions duty in New Zealand

Russell scored before the break but but Israel Folau crossed twice to leave it 17-12 in favour of the tourists.

Will Genia’s converted try after the restart had the Aussies in front for the first time after a huge spell of pressure saw the brave Scots crumble.

But Watson restored the lead with their third score and Vern Cotter’s side withstood a late barrage for a huge victory.

Scotland celebrate after winning a penalty to secure victory over Australia

Israel Folau was named Australias man of the match after a two-try displayIsrael Folau was named Australias man of the match after a two-try display — Israel Folau was named Australia’s man of the match after a two-try display

Cross-code star Folau was at the heart of most of the Wallabies good workCross-code star Folau was at the heart of most of the Wallabies good work — Cross-code star Folau was at the heart of most of the Wallabies’ good work

Russell’s performance comes as a huge boost to Gatland after he was accused of picking his extra call-ups on geography as opposed to merit.

England chief Eddie Jones – who is touring in Argentina – blasted the Kiwi for his intention to select players from the same time zone as New Zealand.

BREAKING | Delighted to hear Scotland players Finn Russell and Allan Dell have been called up by the British & Irish Lions! 🦁 #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/RkvoVdpo9A

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) June 17, 2017

Russell will link up with the Lions in New Zealand and could force his way into the Test team

Scotland have beaten Australia in their own back yard twice in a row

Australia piled forwards but were met with heroic Scottish defenceAustralia piled forwards but were met with heroic Scottish defence — Australia piled forwards but were met with heroic Scottish defence

That hands preference to players from Scotland and Wales, who beat Tonga yesterday.

Welshmen Kristian Dacey, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Gareth Davies were also brought in as Gatland seeks to increase his squad to cope with a punishing fixture schedule.

The six new arrivals will need to star in midweek games to trey and force their way into the Test squad.

Kenny Logan says he's not too old for a Lions comeback in hilarious send up for Whyte & Mackay

Tags: Australia Rugby BRITISH LIONS lions tour 2017 Rugby Union Sport

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