Ireland lose to dramatic Aussie fightback

Australia 65 (2-16-5) Ireland 58 (1-16-4)

Ireland blew a double scores lead at half-time to end up trailing by seven points after their International Rules first test with Australia at Croke Park.

Emotional Australia, inspired by the terrorist atrocity in Bali, sprung out of the traps in the third-quarter to turn the game on its head and stage a dramatic fightback.

Chris Johnson was a star for the Aussies hitting seven points in that period and there were big performances from Nathan Brown and Matt Pavlich too.

Indeed it was Pavlich whose 49th minute goal prompted the phoenix from the flames recovery and rookie Daniel Kerr sealed the win with a second goal 10 minutes from time.

Sydney Swans ace Tadhg Kennelly turned in a fine game for Ireland along with Galway's Padraig Joyce and Armagh's Kieran McGeeney.

The Irish have a big job ahead of them though as they face up to their second and final test at Croke Park next Sunday looking for back to back series wins.