Mortlock dives over for the Aussies. (Getty Images)

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Scotland's copyright on brave sporting defeats remains secure, which is something that cannot be said for Australia's world champions tag after the Wallabies stuttered to a 33-16 victory at the Suncorp Stadium.

Three second-half tries ensured the Wallabies advanced as expected to a last-four meeting with the All Blacks in Sydney next weekend, but there will not be too many punters risking their money on a home win on the evidence of what occurred in Brisbane.

After Ireland shook the holders to the core last weekend, their Celtic cousins did exactly the same and only the obvious lack of a cutting edge ensured their hard work up front did not receive tangible reward.

Australia had their line-out badly exposed, their pack virtually demolished and their skipper George Gregan left the field to ironic cheers on the hour as he was replaced by Chris Whitaker.

None of that will be of much comfort to the Scots though, especially as the eventual margin of victory did scant justice to their efforts.

But at least they went down with a fight, ensuring the reputations of outgoing coaches Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer, plus veterans Bryan Redpath and Kenny Logan did not suffer too badly.

Stirling Mortlock, Gregan and David Lyons were the men to cross for the Wallabies, with Robbie Russell grabbing a late consolation try for the Scots.