Rugby: Michael Cheika rips Wallabies after close call with Scotland

Michael Cheika the head coach of Australia speaks with Israel Folau. Photo / Getty

Giant Wallabies forward Will Skelton has been lashed for an ill-disciplined brain explosion which nearly cost Australia a shot at winning the rugby grand slam.

The powerhouse lock joined the action with 18 minutes to play against Scotland at Murrayfield, and the Wallabies down by six points.

Coach Michael Cheika would've been eager to see the 140kg monster make his mark on the game - but not in quite the manner he did on Saturday.

With Australia having been awarded a penalty five metres out from Scotland's tryline, Skelton made a crude, ill-advised, no-arms clear-out on the Dark Blues' star lock Johnny Gray.

The Television Match Official immediately intervened and the penalty was overturned.

In addition, Skelton was shown a yellow card for foul play in a decision which looked certain to kill Australia's momentum, their chance at pulling off a victory and ultimately any chance they had at becoming the first Australian team since 1984 to complete the grand slam.

Skelton's blushes were saved by a superb individual try to Tevita Kuridrani four minutes from time which sealed a stunning 23-22 victory - but they weren't enough to appease Cheika, who had no objections to the sin-binning.

"(Skelton has) got to put his arms around that guy and he knows that. It's ill- disciplined from him," Cheika said.

"Those decisions come down to the ref - whether it's a penalty or a yellow, but regardless it's an offence.

"He doesn't have to do it. We had our own penalty, it's after the whistle and it wasn't clever.

"He knows that himself. I don't even need to tell him so I don't think he'll be worried about me saying it here."

Skelton returned to the field with one minute left in regular time and was part of the gritty Wallabies defence which repelled phase after phase of Scottish attacks in the famous victory.

- AAP