As the Wallabies licked their wounds, jubilant coach Andy Robinson praised his Scottish bravehearts for pulling off one of the great rugby muggings at Murrayfield.

In just his second Test at the helm, Robinson's charges tackled themselves to a standstill, to end Scotland's 27-year, 16-match losing streak against Australia with a famous 9-8 victory on Saturday.

The Wallabies possessed enough ball and field position to win three Tests, but could find no way through Scotland's unflinching defence until an injury-time try to centre Ryan Cross - which Matt Giteau was unable to convert from 10 metres in from touch.

Under pressure throughout, the Scots were forced to rack up 109 tackles to just 58 by the Wallabies.

"I've said to the team that is the most courageous performance I've ever been involved in," said Robinson, who was assistant coach to Clive Woodward when England scored their extra-time victory over Australia in the 2003 World Cup final in Sydney.

"The effort that was put in, the way the team got off the floor and defended was incredible. And credit to (defence coach) Graham Steadman, who has put this defence together.

"The amount of ball that we gave Australia to play with throughout the game and the courage that our players had to get up and keep knocking them over... we needed a bit of luck, but I thought the guys worked hard to establish that luck.

"If we can perform like that, with that same courage every time we go on to the pitch, then we can grow a team. That's the base line for our performance. The guys have got belief now."

Not even Scottish fans and journalists could believe their side had won and nor was Robinson - now with a two-from-two record after overseeing last week's 23-10 win over Fiji on debut - was getting too carried away.

"Games are decided by inches," Robinson said.

"Matt Giteau narrowly missed a few penalties for them, and one of Phil Godman's penalties went over via the inside of the post.

"The crowd also played a massive part. This is what sport is all about and why I am involved in it."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP