Australia struggled to a tough 31-17 win over Scotland in the rugby Test at Glasgow, made to work hard by the committed Scots.

The Wallabies were lucky to lead 17-9 at half-time after a blatant refereeing error gave them their opening try and they survived enormous pressure in the second half as the Scots threw everything at them.

Australia finally secured its fifth win over Scotland in 12 months when captain George Gregan scored his second try in as many Tests in the 74th minute at Hampden Park.

But the four tries to one win could be costly with centre Stirling Mortlock helped from the field in the third minute with a broken cheekbone and Stephen Larkham and Clyde Rathbone also going off injured just before half-time.

Lote Tuqiri, Phil Waugh and Matt Giteau scored tries, while Giteau kicked three conversions and a penalty goal, with Elton Flatley converting Giteau's try.

Chris Paterson kicked four penalty goals for Scotland, Allister Hogg scoring its only try.

With the score at 17-12 following Paterson's fourth penalty goal, Giteau's 64th minute try seemed to save the match for Australia to make it 24-12.

But a minute later the game was anyone's again when Hogg charged down and collected Flatley's clearing kick to sprint for the corner to make it 24-17.

A break from Chris Latham seemed over when he was ankle tapped near the Scottish quarter, but he popped up the ball to Giteau who juggled it back to Gregan to allow the skipper a clear run to the line to wrap up the win.

Australia was lucky to take a 17-9 lead into the break after referee Alan Lewis missed a blatant knock on by George Smith which ended up with Tuqiri crossing in the corner in the 21st minute.

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