Scotland vs. Australia: Key Battles to Watch

Scotland end their November Test series this weekend with the difficult visit of Ewen McKenzie's Australia side who, after a bumpy Rugby Championship, are beginning to look better with each match.

However, the main storyline heading into this encounter is how the Wallabies will be affected by the player suspensions revealed earlier this week, several key members missing as a result of alcohol-related punishments, per Sky Sports.

Even with a weakened line-up, however, the Australians will be a Southern Hemisphere powerhouse for the Scots to cope with, and several individual battles stand out as potential match deciders.

1. Sean Maitland vs. Israel Folau

Starting from the back, Israel Folau and Sean Maitland will revive the head-to-head witnessed during this year's British and Irish Lions Tour on Saturday, although it's worth noting the latter's Test inclusion was minimal.

Nevertheless, Maitland gets his chance to shine against his Australian counterpart this weekend. Folau is now McKenzie's biggest attacking threat with all the injuries and suspensions accounted for.

In essence, the two conflict in terms of style, Maitland a more wily character accustomed to veering around his defenders, Folau more likely to try and bust his way straight through.

Depending on how well his back line holds up in defence, Scotland's fullback could have a very busy day on his hands at Murrayfield this weekend, especially if Will Genia and Quade Cooper's fine territory kicking against Ireland was anything to go by.

2. Ross Ford vs. Stephen Moore

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Both very mobile athletes considering their positions, the hooking head-to-head between Ross Ford and Stephen Moore will be among the most intriguing clashes this Saturday.

Against the Irish last week, the Wallabies' scrum didn't start things in the dominant position but certainly finished there. Their scrum took a turn for the positive around halftime, and going on to win matters considerably in the second period.

This, with the line-out also considered, is likely to play a large part in whether Scotland can asset themselves at the set-piece, the list of missing forwards being the best chance they're likely to get at doing so.

3. Nick De Luca vs. Christian Lealiifano

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With Matt Toomua out for the rest of Australia's tour with a hamstring injury, Christian Lealiifano finally gets his starting opportunity this November after slipping onto the bench after the Rugby Championship.

Nick De Luca will have been pleased to hear of Toomua's absence, but Lealiifano, having starred during Australia's series loss to the British and Irish Lions, is no small talent himself.

Aside from having an incredibly reliable boot, the centre brings with him some fine interlinking skills in midfield, as well as the pace to potentially carve Scott Johnson's defence apart.

That being said, De Luca is one of his nation's most impressive assets when on form. But he will need to show more defensive tact than he did during the 28-0 loss to South Africa last week if he's to stop such a threat opposite him.

4. Greig Laidlaw vs. Will Genia

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Greig Laidlaw was deservedly named as Scotland captain last week, but Johnson has opted to name Kelly Brown as leader of the Scots for this weekend's Test.

Meanwhile, Will Genia is a seasoned veteran who, regardless of whether or not the label "captain" is attached to his name, will always be a leading figure for his nation.

The two scrum-halves are likely to engage in a lot of the more under-handed ventures this weekend, both being of the scrappy style that fans love to see, but referees might not.

Aside from the playmaking aspect and what they can do for those around them, it will also be of interest to see how each player attacks with the ball in hand, and just who's able to get the inside edge on their man in the loose.

5. Kelly Brown vs. Michael Hooper

Michael Hooper's a man in fine form of late after crossing over for two tries against Ireland last week but comes up against a tough task in Scots' captain Brown in Edinburgh.

Both incredibly tough customers at the breakdown, the ruck promises to decide how much turnover ball either side can wrestle from their opponent's grasp, Scotland being notorious as tough customers when it comes to that aspect of the game.

Young Hooper is already showing that he might be of more value than his opposite number in terms of attacking quality—albeit a very volatile one—but Brown has the defensive potential to ensure that influence is limited.