CLICK HERE: Video Match Highlights

The Australian under 20’s have lost their opening match of the World Championships to Scotland, putting their 2016 campaign in serious doubt.

Australian centre Campbell Magnay received two yellow cards in the match, leaving his side to play with just 14 players for more than 45 minutes, as Scotland crossed for two second half tries to claim a 15-10 victory.

Australia’s size and physicality looked evident from the opening whistle with the forwards, 30kg heavier than their opponents, earning two early scrum penalties.

Magnay received his first yellow card for a dangerous tackle in the fifth minute but Australia continued to attack and fullback Jack Maddocks moved play deep inside Scotland’s territory.

Australia was unable to capitalise on two line-outs inside Scotland’s attacking quarter, as the Scots turned the tables at scrum time, earning two penalties before kicking a penalty goal to take a 3-0 lead.

After returning to the field, Campbell Magnay charged through a gap in the 23rd minute and looked certain to score in the corner before he was tackled into touch just inches from the try line.

Scotland however handed possession straight back from the ensuing line out and lock Issac Rodda crossed untouched under the posts just a minute later to give Australia a 7-3 lead.

Both sides were eager to attack from all parts of the field but handling errors and a sloppy Australian line out plagued the remainder of the first half as Australia went to the break ahead by just four points.

Just four minutes into the second stanza Magnay received his second yellow card, this time for a neck roll tackle on a Scottish defender, leaving Australia to play the remainder of the match with 14 players.

Two minutes later, tighthead prop Zander Fagerson dived over from close range to give Scotland an unlikely 8-7 lead.

A Mack Mason penalty goal pushed Australia back in front but Scotland quickly responded as  winger Darcy Graham split open the tiring Australian defence with a brilliant kick return to score in the corner. Adam Hastings converted from just inside the touchline to give Scotland a 15-10 lead with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Missing their attacking strike power, Australia struggled to break the Scottish defence despite dominating both territory and possession. Adrian Thompson replaced his entire front row in the 72nd minute and Australia’s set piece dominance returned, however they were unable to convert that into points and turned down a number of opportunities at goal.

That looked to have paid off when Simon Kennewell crossed in the corner in the 75th minute, however the TMO ruled the winger had stepped on the touchline.

Australian had a number of chances in the closing minutes, but Scotland proved too strong in defence, holding on for a 15-10 victory.

Australia must win their remaining matches against Italy and England and hope results go their way if they are any chance of winning their pool and progressing to the semi finals.