McGeechan - unfortunate incident (Getty Images).

By Neal Collins

Scotland struggled to come to terms with the end of their World Cup dream here last night.

Beaten 33-16 by a less-than-impressive Australia, retiring coach Ian McGeechan bowed out with a parting shot at New Zealand referee Steve Walsh.

Walsh blew for a penalty against Wallaby Wendell Sailor just as Scotland wing Kenny Logan was latching on to a cross kick which could have led to the first try of this quarter-final.

And Walsh, suspended for thre days after a clash with England trainer David Reddin a fortnight ago, compounded his mistake by failing to sin-bin Sailor for lashing out at Scottish Aussie Nathan Hines.

MeGeechan said: "It was unfortunate from our point of view, obviously. I think Kenny would have enjoyed the run-in."

Assistant coach Jim Telfer, another Scot on the verge of retirement, then questioned the Wallabies' first try, which turned the game early in the second half after the first half ended deadlocked at 9-9.

Telfer, never the cheeriest of men, growled: "It was a mistake. The referee missed it. Phil Waugh picked up the ball when a ruck had formed. Definitely. I think we deserved more.

"We can go home with our heads held high, but I'm glad I'm retiring."

Logan, who played his last game for Scotland last night, stirred the pot still further when he said: "I don't think Australia can beat the All Blacks in the semi-final next week."

"New Zealand have got more firepower out wide. More strength in their back division. I just think they'll win."

And an emotional McGeechan said: "I'm very proud of them. There were a lot of outstanding things in our performance."

Scotland's Man of the Match Chris Paterson, who landed two penalties, a conversion and an incredible 48 yard drop goal after being floored during the pre-match warm-up, explained: "I took a stray ball on the side of the head. I was a wee bit dazed, but nothing serious."

Aussie coach Eddie Jones may have been a bit dazed too.

He felt his side had won "easily" and added: "Scotland were always going to come out hard, historically they play like that. We knew if we kept the pressure on the errors would come.

"We knew we could capitalise and that's what we did."

The truth is, the Aussies had no answer to the Scottish forwards - particularly in the line out - and Stirling Mortlock's controversial try was a killer.

George Gregan and David Lyons added further hammer blows before replacement Rob Russell produced late consolation for Scotland.

And even then, Jones insisted: "I would say the Scottish try was the worst obstruction of the game."

Jones is a man under pressure. And that won't easy when the holders lose to the All Blacks in Sydney next Saturday.