Ireland 22-19 Australia: Andy Farrell's side end Autumn Nations Series on high after recovering to win in Dublin - Eurosport
Ireland wrapped up their Autumn Nations Series with a tough 22-19 victory against Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The Wallabies were in the lead for most of the match, going into halftime with a score of 13-5. This was thanks to a try from Max Jorgensen and some excellent kicks by Noah Lolesio.
In his second appearance for Ireland, Sam Prendergast struggled to convert a try scored by Josh van der Flier during the first half. However, right after halftime, he successfully kicked a penalty and converted another try, which allowed the home team to take the lead for the first time in the game.
Ireland scored their second try of the day when their captain and standout player, Caelen Doris, powered through to touch down right under the goalposts after a successful attacking line-out.
Joe Schmidt's team regained the lead with a couple of penalties from Lolesio, but Gus McCarthy dashed in with a late try that provided Ireland with a vital edge.
The 21-year-old, who was making his second appearance after playing against Fiji last week, played a key role in the maul that pushed their way over the line to secure the winning score.
On Saturday, they delivered another remarkable performance, making precise incursions into the Irish 22 while holding strong against Ireland's offensive plays.
The home team struggled to find a sharper edge and showcase their creativity when attacking inside the Australian 22. This issue was made worse by several mistakes with the ball and ineffective line-outs.
Importantly for the Irish head coach, his team managed to secure a victory, thanks to a pivotal contribution from one of his substitutes.
Afternoon Of Subplots In Dublin
Several storylines were unfolding during this match, with the standout moment being Cian Healy stepping onto the field late in the game to secure his record-breaking 134th cap for Ireland, following his debut in 2009.
He is now the country's top player in terms of appearances, surpassing the previous record held by Brian O'Driscoll, with whom he was tied until this afternoon.
At the same time, it was a heartfelt homecoming for Wallaby head coach Joe Schmidt as he returned to Ireland, where he previously led the team from 2013 to 2019.
Farrell, who has been an assistant to Schmidt since 2016, was overseeing his last game before he takes the helm as the British and Irish Lions prepare for their upcoming tour against the Wallabies in Australia next year.
Caelen Doris: Match Player For Ireland
Ireland's captain delivered yet another outstanding performance, working tirelessly throughout the game. He recorded 15 tackles and made 12 carries while also scoring a vital try that allowed the home team to take the lead for the first time in the match.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan received a score of 8; Mack Hansen scored 6, Robbie Henshaw got 7, Bundee Aki also had a score of 7, and James Lowe was rated 6. Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park both earned a rating of 7. The front row featured Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher, both with scores of 7, and Finlay Bealham received a 6. In the second row, Joe McCarthy and James Ryan each scored 7. For the back row, Tadhg Beirne was rated 7, Josh van der Flier received an 8, and Caelan Doris was the standout with a score of 9.
Substitutes: Gus McCarthy 8, Cian Healy 6, Tom O'Toole 6, Iain Henderson 6, Peter O'Mahony 6, Craig Casey 7, Jack Crowley 6, Garry Ringrose 6.
Australia: Tom Wright - 6; Andrew Kellaway - 7; Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii - 6; Len Ikitau - 7; Max Jorgensen - 8; Noah Lolesio - 7; Jake Gordon - 7; James Slipper - 6; Brandon Paenga-Amosa - 7; Taniela Tupou - 7; Nick Frost - 8; Jeremy Williams - 7; Rob Valetini - 6; Fraser McReight - 7; Harry Wilson - 7.
Substitutes: Billy Pollard 5, Isaac Kailea 6, Allan Alaalatoa 6, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 6, Langi Gleeson Not Applicable, Tate McDermott 6, Tane Edmed Not Applicable, Harry Potter Not Applicable.
20' - TRY! IRELAND 0-10 AUSTRALIA (JORGENSEN): Australia nearly breaks through on their right side, but then quickly shifts the play to the left. Eventually, the ball finds its way to Jorgensen near the touchline, and he successfully dives to score in the corner.
23' - SCORE! IRELAND 5-10 AUSTRALIA (VAN DER FLIER): Following several offensive plays after the line-out, Ireland shifts the ball to the left side of the posts, allowing Van Der Flier to touch down.
50 minutes in – TRY! IRELAND 15-13 AUSTRALIA (DORIS): Ireland executes a quick play from the right side after the line-out. Henshaw is held back as he attempts to reach the try line, but the ball is swiftly passed to captain Doris, who powers through to score Ireland's second try right beneath the goalposts.
74' - TRY! IRELAND 22-19 AUSTRALIA (McCARTHY): After a line-out, Ireland makes strong progress in the maul while enjoying an advantage, but they don’t require it as Gus McCarthy powers through to score and put them in the lead!
