Tadhg Beirne must come into the reckoning for Ireland in Melbourne

Kieran Marmion’s disallowed try right at the death marked a frustrating end to a frustrating day for Ireland in Brisbane.

While it wouldn’t have changed the outcome of the opening test, breaching a hitherto impregnable Australian defensive line would have been a confidence booster ahead of the trip to Melbourne.

Joe Schmidt made it clear before leaving home that this tour has a major role to play in his plans for next year’s World Cup. Indeed, he will have learned much from last weekend’s chastening experience.