2016 Autumn Test opponents announced
Scotland have the chance to avenge their last-minute defeat to Australia in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, one year on in the 2016 Autumn Tests at BT Murrayfield next November – live on the BBC.The Scots will face the Wallabies for the first time since the breathless 35-34 defeat at Twickenham, in the first of the traditional three-Test series that begins on Saturday 12 November.Next up will be World Cup semi-finalists Argentina on Saturday 19 November, before the Scots complete the sequence with an historic Test against Georgia on Saturday 26 November.Fans of the autumn internationals will have fond memories of Scotland’s matches against next year’s opponents, having witnessed the national team defeat Australia 9-8 in a tense encounter at BT Murrayfield in 2009.Similarly, last November’s Test against the Pumas saw the hosts run in four tries to win 41-31 and complete a 2014 home and away double under the, then, newly appointed Head Coach Vern Cotter.The final match in the series will see Georgia play a touring Test match in Scotland for the first time, with the sides meeting just once previously – stand-off Dan Parks the sole contributor in Scotland’s 15-6 win in the Rugby World Cup 2011, with four penalties and a trademark drop-goal.We’re delighted to confirm three very exciting matches for November 2016: World Cup finalists, Australia; World Cup semi-finalists Argentina; and an historic first Test on Scottish soil against Georgia.- – Scottish Rugby Chief Operating Officer, Dominic McKay”We have had many fantastic matches against Australia and Argentina at BT Murrayfield in the past and we’re looking forward to more of the same when they come to Edinburgh next year.The Georgians won over thousands of new fans with their performances in the Rugby World Cup, defeating Namibia and Tonga to take them from tournament debutants in 2003 to securing automatic qualification as one of the top 12 teams in RWC 2019. I’m sure they’ll get a great reception when they come to Scotland for the first time for this historic Test.With Scotland’s home matches in the RBS 6 Nations selling out in record time – three months out from the matches themselves – the 2016 Autumn Tests will provide the next opportunity for fans to see Scotland on home soil.Supporters can see Scotland’s best players go head-to-head next month when Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors lock horns in the opening leg of the 1872 Scottish Cup at BT Murrayfield Stadium (Sunday 27 December, kick-off 3.05pm).Excitement for the fixture has ramped up year-on-year, with the club on target to surpass last season’s record crowd of 15,810. Tickets are on sale now at www.edinburghrugby.org, by calling 0131 346 5180 and at the BT Murrayfield ticket centre (Mon-Fri, 10am to 5pm). 2016 Autumn TestsSaturday 12 November: Scotland v Australia, BT Murrayfield (kick-off tbc)Saturday 19 November: Scotland v Argentina, BT Murrayfield (kick-off tbc)Saturday 26 November: Scotland v Georgia, location and kick-off tbc