Johnny gives it big kicks

BRAVE decision-making and a stand-out showing from Tadhg Furlong led to a historic first Irish win Down Under since 1979.

After being plagued by problems in last week’s first Test defeat, they fought back from the early setback of Kurtley Beale’s second-minute try.

Ireland’s policy of turning down chances to kick for goal at penalties paid off, as Andrew Conway crossed to get their first try. Johnny Sexton added to his conversion with three penalties before missing his fifth attempt.

A penalty try for the Wallabies – awarded after a line-out maul was brought down – made it a two-point game at half-time.

A second Irish try, this time scored by Furlong (above), followed a gutsy decision to go for a line-out rather than an easy kick at goal.

When Sexton landed another penalty to put his side 12 points clear with 14 minutes left, there seemed no way back for Australia, but Taniela Tupou’s try and Bernard Foley’s conversion cut the gap to five points.