Captain Pocock gets Wallabies over line
AUSTRALIA, mixing rock solid defence with moments of flair in attack, brought Ireland’s 12-match winning streak to an end with a performance which augers well for their future.
In a high intensity match the Wallabies will also be delighted with their strong scrummaging performance and although, like Ireland, they made errors and blew a couple of try-scoring chances, this was an impressive start to their international season.
Both sides approached the game as if it was a World Cup quarter-final and an exhilarating, hugely physical first-half showcased all their talents and only massive defence prevented a riot of tries.
Bernard Foley and Joey Carbery had swapped penalties before Australia looked certain to take the lead when brilliant hands in midfield sent Marika Koroibete sprinting for the line only for Jacob Stockdale, racing across field from the left wing, to pull off an exceptional try-saving tackle.
Ireland’s big runners up front then began to pressurise the Australia defence although David Pocock was unlucky to get pinged under his posts for a trademark steal when he was clearly on his feet at all times.
No complaints from Ireland though with Carbery chipping over a second penalty.
Australia finally landed the try they had been threatening with first Kurtley Beale and then Pocock demonstrating great hands in midfield to send Dane Haylett-Petty and Marika Koroibete charging down the left. Ireland held them up briefly but Will Genia fed the supporting Foley down the blindside for a fine score.
The electricity went out of the game for much of the third quarter when Ireland tried, ultimately unsuccessfully, to impose a stranglehold up front. Only once was the Australian defence seriously breached when CJ Stander charged for the line from long range but Haylett-Petty and Israel Folau combined to prevent him from touching down after the No.8 had slid over.
A third Carbery penalty was Ireland’s only tangible reward after which Australia went to work. Folau appeared to have scored a cracking try down the right wing only for Australia to be called back for earlier foul play by Adam Coleman.
Heads could have dropped; instead Australia quickly stormed back by shunting Ireland off their own put-in to win a penalty under the posts and take the lead – and soon after they went for the jugular.
Turning down another easy kick at goal they tapped and went before Genia picked out Pocock who plunged over from short range with Foley adding the extras.
For Ireland it was a mixed bag. Carbery was generally composed during his stint at ten, Stockdale was excellent out wide and James Ryan was again outstanding even if he was tasting defeat for the first time.
Possibly the one real concern was the lack of impact from a bench packed with big name Lions and starters.
With the series on the line expect a return to what most consider Ireland’s Six Nations line-up next week.