Ireland lead at the break

Ireland 6 Australia 3

A Ronan O’Gara penalty separated Ireland and Australia after a gripping first half at Lansdowne Road.

O’Gara slotted two penalties while Matt Rogers booted one for the Wallabies in an evenly matched encounter which saw both sides have their moments.

Ireland’s veteran lock Malcolm O’Kelly was stretchered off in the 18th minute with his neck in a brace following a ferocious double hit from Lote Tuqiri and Hugh McMeniman.