Series claimed by Ireland after stress test at the death

Australia 16 Ireland 20

And just as Joe Schmidt’s squad had negotiated all other challenges put before them this season, this group of players and coaches came up with yet more solutions to pass this month’s critical test of their credentials.

Just two weeks ago, as Ireland regrouped following a proper bullying by Australia in the opening game of this three-Test contest in Brisbane, all the good deeds and achievements of the previous year had threatened to unravel.