Scotland 9 Australia 8

Scotland ended a 28-year losing streak against the Wallabies in Edinburgh today. Photo / Getty Images Expand

Scotland ended a 28-year losing streak against the Wallabies in Edinburgh today. Photo / Getty Images

EDINBURGH - Scotland claimed their first win over Australia in nearly three decades after a defence-inspired 9-8 victory in their one-off test match at Murrayfield today.

Australia dominated possession throughout but the Scots, under new coach Andy Robinson, produced a world-class defensive performance to keep the Wallabies at bay despite conceding a last-minute try from Ryan Cross.

Matt Giteau went on to miss the conversion, leaving jubilant Scotland supremo Robinson, the former England coach, to label his side's display as the most courageous he has ever been involved with in rugby.

And he tried to play down his own influence on the victory, opting to heap praise on defence guru Graham Steadman and stand-in skipper Ally Kellock.

Robinson declared: "Graham has done a remarkable job. The defensive performance was also the best I can remember.

"We needed a bit of luck - but we worked so hard to earn that luck.

"If we can show the same degree of courage every time we play, we can grow this team.

"I would have preferred a little more width to our play, but that is simply evidence that we still have to improve. This is a platform for that to happen.

"Games are decided by inches. Matt Giteau narrowly missed a few penalties for them - and one of Phil Godman's penalties went over via the inside of the post.

"The crowd also played a massive part. This is what sport is all about - and why I am involved in it!

"I also have to pay tribute to Ally (Kellock), who took over as skipper when (Chris) Cusiter went off.

"His leadership was fantastic."

Aussie coach Robbie Deans sighed: "We got what we deserved for not taking chances.

"Credit to Scotland for their brave defence."

Giteau had broken the deadlock with a confidently-struck penalty from 35 metres.

Scotland were then unlucky not to bag a penalty as the recalled George Smith committed a blatant foul on Cusiter while he was airborne.