Pocock powers Wallabies to victory
possible start in a low-scoring affair.
Pocock’s presence at the breakdown was unmistakable but so too was that of Ireland’s big men, particularly in attack. The highlight was a turnover from Pocock after 19 phases where the Wallabies looked gassed down their own end.
There was, however, major drama in the 61st minute when an Israel Folau try was disallowed because of alleged foul play, which prompted former Wallaby and Fox Sports commentator Phil Kearns to claim: ‘‘the referees have lost the plot’’.
Adam Coleman was penalised for tackling Ireland second-rower James Ryan, who did not have the ball. Hooper argued the act had no bearing on the try but referee Marius van der Westhuizen replied by saying: ‘‘The reality is it’s foul play’’.
The Wallabies had to regather and did so courtesy of their big men. They earned a rare scrum penalty, to the fistpumping delight of Michael Cheika, which Bernard Foley kicked to put them ahead 11-9 with 11 minutes remaining.
Behind closed doors, the nonselection of Johnny Sexton and a number of other Ireland stars riled up the Wallabies and this lack of respect was reflected in a dogged Australian effort across the full 80 minutes. Form the easiest road trip to one of the toughest.
The Warriors banked a vital two competition points with a 34-14 NRL victory over Manly in Christchurch on Saturday night but coach Stephen Kearney knows that will count for little if his side can not back it up against the Cowboys this week.
Manly took its home game on the road to the South Island, giving the Warriors the convenience of an away game in New Zealand.
But the long trip to Townsville will not be so pedestrian – especially with a short turn around for the Friday night clash.
North Queensland, one of the favourites at the start of the season, have won just four games so far in 2018 and if they can’t beat the Warriors this week they can just about kiss the prospect of finals football goodbye.
‘‘It’s a big challenge again going up to Townsville, so that’s what we’ll focus on,’’ Kearney said.
He is desperate to find the consistency that has been lacking since his side won five successive games to start the season.
‘‘It’s about a mindset,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘As long as we have that attitude to wanting to improve our performance I think the experience of the last half a dozen weeks has sharpened us for that, so it’s about making sure that we make that happen,’’ Kearney said of finding consistency.
The Cowboys game is another critical clash for the Warriors who then take on top eight sides the Sharks, the Panthers and the