Australia 18 Ireland 9

If Ireland were under any illusions about how tough the defensive challenge that awaits them at Suncorp Stadium this morning will be in this opening Test against Australia, then listening to Wallabies captain Michael Hooper yesterday will have removed any doubt.

Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony has backed fly-half Joey Carbery to take the huge opportunity handed to the 22-year-old when he starts the first Test against Australia on Saturday morning.

England overcame an alarming start to register a record-equalling 14th successive victory by beating Australia at Twickenham.

Brendan O’Brien picks out the major turning points from Ireland’s battling win.

Ireland 27 Australia 24: You would forgive Ireland rugby manager, Joe Schmidt, if he sank into a fireside armchair, put his feet up, and stayed there for a few weeks to reflect on a job well done during an incredible month of Test rugby.

Ireland flanker CJ Stander savoured the Dublin victory over Australia and admitted it capped an "unbelievable" year.

Ireland have won three out of their four Tests in the Series.

Australia coach Michael Cheika has rested most of his top names for tomorrow’s clash with France as the test is the only one on the tour that is not part of the Wallabies’ grand slam bid.

Australia cruised to a 12th successive victory over woeful Wales as they ran their hosts ragged at the Principality Stadium.

Samu Kerevi's two-try brace drove Australia to 33-21 Rugby Championship victory over Argentina at Twickenham, to ease pressure on boss Michael Cheika.

Harlequins 40 Biarritz 13

Biarritz 15 Saracens 10

BIARRITZ maintained their unbeaten start in Pool Four of the Heineken Cup with an emphatic bonus-point home victory over Ulster.

Biarritz 35 Ulster 15

Biarritz Olympique have made two changes for their Heineken Cup clash at home to Ulster on Sunday.