Ireland's hockey men succumb to Australia in second defeat in Paris

SECOND DEFEAT: Ireland’s Sean Murray acknowledges the crowd after the game.

After going down 2-1 to Australia on Monday morning, Ireland men have now faced both Tokyo Olympic finalists in their opening two games. But this was a gritty, hard-working defeat against the Kookaburras, one which will give the Green Machine plenty of heart heading into their final three games, needing to win at least two to qualify for the knock-out stages.

A punishing encounter in sultry Colombes, an area rich in industry, saw Ireland succumb to a penalty corner and penalty stroke, while Lee Cole’s first-half thunder bolt from the set piece kept them in the game despite mounting Australia pressure here.

Having pulled off a plethora of saves in their opening loss to Belgium, the Olympic champions, Cork goalkeeper David Harte was once again in the thick of the action.

He could do nothing to stop the Kookaburras’ ninth-minute opener however. When Harte’s post was first rattled, the rebound fell to Corey Weyer, who lifted over the Irisman’s helmet into the net.

The Irish mantra in Paris has been about front-foot hockey and not to be put thrust into periods of defensive work. A tall order as one of the lowest-ranked teams here.

But, in the second quarter, their endeavour nearly paid off after a fine three-way interchange. Speared by captain Sean Murray, he fed Jeremy Duncan on the baseline, who pulled back for Ben Walker but his shot popped just wide.

Ireland kept up momentum and this time summoned their first goal of the campaign with their first shot on target. It came in the 25th minute, courtesy of a piercing penalty corner flick from Lee Cole which thudded the backboard.

However, with 16 seconds left of the first half, Australia won a penalty stroke after post man Cole was struck on the leg after failing to connect. Blake Govers tucked home past Harte’s outstretched left stick.

Ireland were put under consistent pressure in the third quarter, a period of few chances. With 10 minutes left, Ireland successfully referred an illegal stick tackle after Australia - who had 23 circle entries to Ireland's 11 - had found the net from close range.

An energy-sapping final phase of play at both ends then left both teams bent over their knees at the final hooter.

For a top four finish in their Pool, Ireland must now look for results against India, which is played on Tuesday morning, Argentina and New Zealand in their remaining matches.