Ireland got their Nations Championship off to a winning start with a 33-31 victory over Australia this morning.
Played at a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Andy Farrell’s men got the better of the Joe Schmidt-coached Wallabies as the sides produced a 10-try thriller.
The Wallabies led at half-time
With Ireland having problems both in the field and in the lineout, they were fortunate to find themselves just five points behind halfway through the match.
Joe Schmidt’s side had first half tries from Dylan Pietsch, Jock Campbell, Josh Canham and Ryan Lonergan.
The visitors had scored five points thanks to Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and a crucial try from Jamison Gibson-Park just before the break – ultimately keeping Ireland within striking distance of the Wallabies, who at this stage were very much in the ascendancy.
Clarkson tries to give Ireland victory
Man of the match Hugo Keenan crossed for an Irish try in the second half, with Tate McDermott doing the same for the hosts.
The TMO disallowed a Dan Sheehan effort as James Ryan was adjudged to have outplayed the player in possession.
Irish prop Tom Clarkson scored his second international try to give the men in green the lead in the 77th minute.
Australian flyhalf Ben Donaldson had the opportunity to snatch a victory for the home side when Bundee Aki was penalized with the clock red.
Donaldson’s long-range penalty attempt went wide to the right of the posts and gave Ireland a victory on the opening day of the inaugural Nations Championship.
FARRELL: “IT WAS A HELL OF GAME”
Andy Farrell reacts after Ireland’s 33-31 win over Australia, praising the big moments, the brawl after the break and Hugo Keenan’s huge tackle.
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