Ireland clinch series victory over the Wallabies
IRELAND completed their first series win Down Under since 1979 with this exhilarating victory over an Australia side which seemed to have them on the ropes with 20 minutes left.
Somehow Ireland dug in, although there was drama right at the end, with time up, when Michael Foley threw a dangerous pass to the right wing where Australian attackers were poised to strike ten metres out.
The Australians claimed that Jacob Stockdale had touched the ball as he despairingly flung a hand out as the ball went into touch and although it appeared very close the TMO could find no conclusive pictures.
So it was Ireland’s match and a fitting conclusion to one of the best three-match series we have seen since they came back into vogue a few years back. All three Tests were crackers in their own right and the huge Irish support that always turns up in Australia gave the contest a Six Nations feel in terms of crowd volume and involvement.
Victory was the culmination of a remarkable season for the Irish who can also reflect on a Grand Slam and a European and PRO14 double for Leinster. The likes of Johnny Sexton, Rob Kearney, James Ryan and Tadgh Furlong have virtually forgotten how to lose.
Head coach Joe Schmidt will be doubly pleased in that he also managed to achieve his secondary aim during the series of giving game time to other squad members. Of the 32 players, only Andrew Byrne went without game time.
This was a huge Cup Final type of match with the big hits raining in and space very much at a premium and, although there was plenty of attacking intent, defences largely held sway in the first half.
Bernard Foley landed three penalties before the break to Sexton’s four, but those stark statistics do not do justice to the action. It was ferocious and full of interest and a little controversy.
It also saw both captains and opensides depart with injury. Michael Hooper seemed to pick up a torn hamstring when caught in an awkward jackal position from which he was unceremoniously cleared out by Furlong who specialises in such manoeuvres. It looked legal and there were no complaints from Australia.
O’Mahony departed on the half hour in more contentious circumstances. Sexton had just made it 6-6 with a penalty and from the short restart Israel Folau sprinted hard and jumped for the ball in trademark fashion.
Meanwhile CJ Stander launched O’Mahony into the air in a rather reckless fashion letting go at the top of the lift and showing little duty of care in returning his man safely to terra firma.
Folau, jumping of his own accord, still incredibly got his hand to the ball first to deflect it backwards but as he came down his hand undoubtedly made contract with O’Mahoney and the Irish skipper fell heavily on his shoulder and appeared very shook up.
Initially it looked like no further action but Sexton complained and the TMO came in and the referee deemed a yellow card. Technically, perhaps, but Folau’s spectacular challenge was nigh on perfect and a contributory factor to O’Mahony’s fall and injury was undoubtedly being ‘abandoned’ by Stander in mid air. Definitely one for the lawmakers to have a look at because it didn’t feel right.
With the series at stake the play went up yet another notch after the break with Ireland initially on the charge and quickly using the pressure to score from a textbook lineout rumble with Niall Scannell nailing his long throw to Jordi Murphy before CJ Stander was driven over in forcible fashion. Sexton missed the conversion but with the momentum seemingly going Ireland’s way Australia needed to score next which they did after a patient build up.
Bernard Foley looked right and saw Marika Koroibete in oceans of space. Rather than kick high he put an inch perfect grubber through which bounced up nicely for the powerful wing who fought off a despairing challenge from Sexton to force his way over
An energised Australia went in for the kill but somehow Ireland held out and their hard work was rewarded when Australia started leaking penalties again and Ireland were able to steady the ship.
With two minutes left Australia infringed one more time and Sexton, who had taken a couple of heavy hits just previously, dusted himself off to nail what proved to be the series-clinching penalty.