Gritty Ireland keep Aussie series alive

relationship over the years. But just to be a part of this camp again is good.”

The Kiwis have assembled in Sydney before flying out for the US this morning. Maguire intends to run at least three training sessions in Denver before the test to develop combinations and prepare his team for playing at altitude.

Meanwhile, Warriors forwards Bunty Afoa, James Gavet, Isaiah Papali’i, Ligi Sao and back-up halfback Mason Lino have been called up for Samoa’s Pacific Test against Tonga in Sydney next Saturday, while ISP forward King Vuniyayawa will turn out for Fiji in their test against Papua New Guinea. Australia and Ireland will duke it out in a series decider in Sydney on Saturday after the Irish scored an impressive 26-21 sudden-death victory over the Wallabies in Melbourne.

The Irish hadn’t won in Australia in 39 years but with Johnny Sexton turning in a masterclass back at No 10, the world No 2 showed why they are Six Nations champions by dismantling the sub-par Wallabies to keep the series alive.

But as good as the Irish performance was, the Australians proved their own worst enemies with an extremely undisciplined showing.

They conceded 15 penalties and with the weapons they deployed in Brisbane — a powerful defence and a smart kicking game — also firing blanks, the uncomposed Australian team simply couldn’t get themselves into the game.

To make matters worse, Will Genia appears to be in major doubt for the third game in Sydney after leaving the field in the first half with what looked a possible broken arm.

The Wallabies appeared to be cruising after Kurtley Beale scored a try after just 90 seconds but Ireland made the most of a sinbinning for Marika Koroibete soon after, scoring 13 points with the winger off the field.

The Wallabies fought back by scoring through a penalty try but with Sexton running the show, the Irish were able to keep up the pressure and build their narrow halftime lead with a try to powerhouse prop Tadhg Furlong after the break.

Sexton’s fourth penalty goal in the 66th minute appeared to ice the result but the Wallabies gave the crowd of 29,018 a grandstand finish by scoring in the 78th minute through Taniela Tupou.

Almost fittingly, though, an Australian mistake at the ruck on the siren ended proceedings as the Wallabies were still attacking for a try to draw or a win.