Australia defeated Scotland 33-16 in their sudden death clash at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium tonight in front of a sell out crowd.
The Wallabies scored three tries to one in the 17 point win, setting up a semi final clash with New Zealand at Telstra Stadium in Sydney next Saturday, November 15.
The defending champions recorded their 11th consecutive RWC win, eclipsing their previous Tournament record by one, which they jointly held with New Zealand and South Africa.
The Wallabies struggled in the first half, coming up against a tenacious Scotland side intent on upsetting the home nation's back to back title ambitions.
But tries to centre Stirling Mortlock in the 47th minute and skipper George Gregan on the hour, broke the 9-9 half time deadlock, putting the result beyond doubt.
Elton Flatley collected 18 points from three conversions and four penalties.
Tight first half
In a tryless first half both sides were intent on spreading the ball wide early, with only last minute defence ending impressive attacking plays.
Scotland came out with all guns blazing but it was the Wallabies who posted first points through fly half Elton Flatley, kicking a penalty in the 4th minute after Scotland number 8, Simon Taylor was penalised for offside play.
Scotland attempted to counter only minutes later after wing Kenny Logan put the ball into the Wallabies in goal area but Wendell Sailor was their to cover it up.
From the ensuing play Australia’s left wing Lote Tuqiri made a break down the left flank only to be brought down in a great covering tackle by Scotland fly half Chris Paterson.
Scotland rewarded
Scotland’s early pressure was rewarded with a penalty to Paterson in the 13th minute to level the scores at 3-3.
The Wallabies, suffering early line out jitters, were denied a certain try in the 15th minute after full back Mat Rogers knocked on with Sailor in support, after Tuqiri had earlier injected himself into the back line.
Tuqiri was impressive with the ball in hand gaining ground each time he touched the ball.
Flatley and Paterson traded penalties to square it up at 6-6 before a Flatley penalty edged the Wallabies ahead 9-6.
A huge 48 metre Paterson drop goal again levelled the scores two minutes from the break.
Wallabies get it together
Seven minutes after the break Stirling Mortlock dashed 60 metres to score the first try of the match after good work from flanker Phil Waugh at the breakdown. The Flatley conversion gave Australia some breathing space at 16-9.
On the hour Wallaby captain George Gregan capitalised on another incisive Tuqiri run toeing the ball ahead from the ensuing breakdown before diving on the ball to score beside the posts. Flatley easily converted to put the result beyond doubt.
Number 8 David Lyons was rewarded with a try, crashing over in the 65th minute, to extend Australia’s lead to 24 points.
Scotland rallied with a late try to Australian-born replacement Rob Russell but it was all in vain.
Waugh and Tuqiri were the best of the Australians, ably supported by number 8 David Lyons.
Australia suffered a late blow with replacement fly half Matt Giteau leaving the field injured with eight minutes remaining.
Scorers
Australia 33
Tries: Mortlock, Gregan, Lyons
Conversions: Flatley (3)
Penalties: Flatley (4)
Scotland 16
Tries: Russell
Conversions: Paterson (1)
Penalties: Paterson (2)
Drop goals: Paterson (1)