Australia 33 Scotland 16
Defending champions Australia eased into a semi-final meeting with New Zealand after overcoming a stuttering first half to score three second-half tries en route to a 33-16 victory over Scotland today.
Those second half scores ensured the Wallabies will meet the All Blacks in Sydney next weekend but there will not be too many punters risking their money on a home win on the evidence of what occurred in Brisbane tonight.
After Ireland shook the holders last weekend, their Celtic cousins did exactly the same and only the lack of a cutting edge ensured their hard work up front did not receive tangible reward.
Australia had their line-out badly exposed, their pack virtually demolished and their skipper George Gregan left the field to ironic cheers on the hour as he was replaced by Chris Whitaker.
None of that will be of much comfort to the Scots though, especially as the eventual margin of victory did scant justice to their efforts. But at least they went down with a fight, ensuring the reputations of outgoing coaches Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer, plus veterans Bryan Redpath and Kenny Logan did not suffer too badly.
It had not looked good at the start as the Scots suffered a setback when Paterson needed to be helped from the field after the pre-match warm-up after being struck in the face by the ball.
Suggestions that it would be the prelude to a miserable night were quickly dispelled though and for 46 minutes, they ripped into the Wallabies as though their lives depended on it.
Though they succeeded in ravaging the home line-out and making their pack look totally ordinary, the Scots did not have the raw pace to make the most of their pressure.
Gamely, though, Paterson responded for Scotland each time Flatley booted home a penalty, including the brilliant 45-metre drop goal he sent spinning between the uprights to bring his side level at the break.
Indeed, such was Paterson's assurance at stand-off, it was difficult to understand why he spent 38 Tests either at full-back or on the wing before eventually being given the role he prefers.
Having pushed Australia so hard during the opening period, Scotland toiled away for another six minutes after it before a couple of pieces of good fortune saw the home side finally breach opposition defences.
Phil Waugh was in the right place at the right time to pick up the loose ball when Andrew Henderson was tackled without support. Then, when Gregan spread play wide, Stirling Mortlock initially juggled possession and the Scottish defence stood off.
Mortlock though spotted his chance, eventually collected and shot 50 metres under the posts. Flatley converted and added a penalty soon afterwards and, when George Gregan and David Lyons crossed in quick succession shortly afterwards, it seemed as though Scotland would wilt.
Instead, it just brought more defiance. One ferocious forward charge was halted before the Scots regrouped and Robert Russell was driven over in the final minute.
PA