Kavanagh proud of Scotland try

Bradford prop Ben Kavanagh was a very proud man, after he scored a try against Australia for Scotland on Friday evening in Hull.

Although the Scots were well beaten by an impressive Australian side 54-12, Kavanagh score was just reward for some of the Bravehearts’ effort.

“That is one for the scrapbook,” said Kavanagh.

“I don’t score many tries so that is a good one to have. That was definitely the toughest game I’ve played in.

“From the off, they started really quick and got a few early tries which shocked us a bit, but as we got into it we started to get a few sets in and in the end got a couple of tries.

“Their pace and intensity took us by surprise. We played New Zealand in the quarter finals of the World Cup and we thought that game was quick, but this was another level.

“Once they get a quick run they just go off the back of that and it’s had to defend that set.”

The Scots found it tough at the start of the game, with the Kangaroos scoring 30 unanswered points before Ryan Brierley struck back, then Kavanagh.

“The try before half-time gave us a lift,” Kavanagh added.

“When we came in Steve (coach McCormack) said that was how he wanted us to play, a good couple of offloads and a chip forward for Ryan to score the try.

“He was pleased with how we played the back end of the half and we built on that in the second half.

“We matched them for a good 15-20 minutes, and got some sets in so that’s something to build on for next week.

“Australia had some players sat out, and they played New Zealand the other week and beat them by 20 points, so I think they will go on to win the tournament.”