Ireland seal historic win in pulsating finale
Ireland held on to beat a resurgent Australia in Sydney, clinching a tumultuous Test and securing their first victory in a three-match series Down Under.
CJ Stander’s try and four penalties from Jonathan Sexton had opened up a 17-9 advantage, but Michael Cheika’s side fought back and took a compelling game to the wire.
At the end of a superb season decorated with a Grand Slam and Leinster’s silverware, it was a thorough examination of Ireland’s adaptability. Peter O’Mahony shifted across to openside flanker in the absence of Dan Leavy. Garry Ringrose was also injured, so Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw renewed their midfield partnership. Hooker Sean Cronin withdrew just hours before kick-off, Niall Scannell taking his place.
A logistical mix-up also saw the tourists’ coach arrive at Allianz Stadium half an hour late, stirring memories of their abject start to the 2017 Six Nations when they reached Murrayfield behind schedule.
Afterwards, Joe Schmidt bemoaned a journey that took “13 minutes yesterday but over 30 minutes today”. Even so, the meticulous New Zealander saluted his bench.
“We’ll be forensic on the back of the video,” he explained. “But a heck of a lot of it tonight was character to get off the ground when they laid siege to our 22 in the second 40 minutes.
“The Wallabies came back in waves. It was a credit to the young guys coming off the bench – Jordan Larmour, Jordi Murphy, Tadhg Beirne. They had to come into a furnace. Let’s hope that furnace gives us the diamonds we need.”
Hurt by a 26-21 defeat that pegged the series back to 1-1 last weekend, Australia began fiercely. But Sekope Kepu’s clumsy challenge on Sexton only served to concede an early penalty.
Ireland could breach Australia’s territory and a breakdown offence allowed Sexton to make it 3-0. Australia responded, an offside penalty presenting Bernard Foley with the opportunity to level.
David Pocock, tremendous again, derailed a patient Ireland attack soon afterwards. However, his breakdown buddy Michael Hooper, Australia’s captain, limped off with 16 minutes on the clock.
The first flashpoint came when Jacob Stockdale was sin-binned for thrusting his forearm into the neck of Nick Phipps, and Foley put his team 6-3 ahead. Schmidt’s dogged, diligent team rallied in turn. Bristling carries from Stander and Aki muscled field position and Pete Samu, Hooper’s replacement, infringed. Sexton stroked through the posts for 6-6.
O’Mahony and Israel Folau had tangled spectacularly at two restarts prior to this point, and a third aerial contest caused another controversial moment. O’Mahony, hoisted into the air by Stander, seemed to be dragged down by Folau’s left hand. Australia’s fullback was sent to the sin bin by referee Pascal Gauzere. O’Mahony was carted off following a crash landing, and did not reappear. The hosts could have been reduced to 13 when Adam Coleman blocked Conor Murray at the base of the posts from an offside position. Ireland wanted a penalty try. They got another three points.
Foley and Sexton traded kicks before the end of a manic first half, but Ireland improved their advantage early in the second period. Stander steered Ireland’s driving maul over the line and dotted down. Sexton pulled the conversion wide, so Australia’s deficit stayed at 17-9.
The Wallabies forced a scrum penalty to stay alive and kept possession in the face of Ireland’s aggressive defence. Foley threaded a grubber kick across the field and Marika Koroibete sprinted in from the flank, collecting and powering through to stretch over. Foley’s conversion cut Ireland’s lead to 17-16.
An absorbing series would be decided in its final 20 minutes. Ireland appeared to wilt but summoned some counter-punches. Larmour, on for Rob Kearney, showed his sparkling footwork and Beirne added energy.
Aki, Keith Earls and James Ryan forced a counter-rucking turnover. With four minutes left, Gauzere collared Folau for a deliberate knock-on.
Ireland went to their maul. When they broke, Tolu Latu clasped on – illegally. Sexton made it 20-16. Ninety seconds proved plenty of time to pack in further drama. Folau soared to claim Foley’s flat restart and Australia swept into to the Ireland 22. Kurtley Beale and Foley brought the ball back to the right. As Stockdale jammed in, a pass ball sailed past his flapping arm and bounced into touch, though. Ben Skeen, the television match official, was called upon. Had the Ulster wing touched the ball?
After a few replays, Skeen ended the suspense. “I must have clear and obvious evidence,” he said, fittingly deciding the series by a fingertip and ruling against a knock-on. “There is no clear and obvious evidence.”
Ireland prevailed, clearly the best side in the northern hemisphere and obviously in excellent fettle for next year’s Rugby World Cup.