AUSTRALIA began the second leg of their European tour in impressive style yesterday with a sizeable win over Scotland A at Netherdale in the Scottish Borders.

The Wallabies ran in five tries to one, emphasising their team understanding and their ability to snap up chances.

But the tourists looked far from a world force in the first half when Scotland A, playing with an aggressive defence, more than held them.

Once the Australians got into their stride, however, they showed their scoring capability by running in three tries - all converted by full-back Matthew Burke - in the last quarter.

Scotland A led 8-0 after 11 minutes with a drop goal by stand off. Duncan Hodge and a try by Smith from a line out close to Australia's line.

Full back Burke and Hodge traded penalties before Burka hanged over a second successful goalkick to precede a try by Wallaby wing Tim Horan, Burke adding the conversion to give the tourists a 13-11 interval lead.

The beginning of the second half saw Hodge and Burke each kick a couple of penalty goals and then Burke took a scoring pass from Horan to cross for a try which he converted from the touchline.

Hodge kicked his fourth penalty goal to keep the Scots in contact, but Horan's second try from a break by scrum half Sam Payne and the conversion by Burke opened up a 13 point gap.

The Wallabies in full cry finished strongly with number eight Mark Connors sprinting in for a try and then scrum half Payne getting the Wallabies fifth.