Ireland v Australia player ratings: how Andy Farrell's side performed against Wallabies
DOT DOWN: Sam Prendergast of Ireland touches down for a try, which was subsequently disallowe. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
There was an early chance for the full-back after cutting through only to get stripped with the try-line in sight. Came back to play his usual shrewd game although the high ball danger of Wallaby Joseph Sua’li’i had him on red alert.
The white headguard of Hansen is invariably on view but the wing had to work really hard to get into threatening positions and was not able to break through.
Ireland spluttered to get their momentum going due to the number of errors with ball-in-hand so Henshaw did not get much chance to show what he has to offer.
Rare is the time when Aki does not make some sort of dent in the opposition ranks and the Connacht man was faithful to his trade even if in such a fractured Ireland performance his opportunities were not as frequent.
Busy as ever but flawed with a swivel pass that went astray and a knock-on under duress but such is Lowe’s irrepressible nature that he did not let the errors suppress him.
The Apprentice? Or The Master already? The trial continues. There is little doubt that this full-glare expose to the rigours of test rugby has fast-forwarded his rugby education. Plenty of deft touches, brave at the line, kicking deep from penalties and had a try-saving flick-tackle on Kellaway.
Those trademark sniping runs down the fringe alleyways of the breakdown had been shut down by Joe Schmidt’s coaching diligence but Gibson-Park kept grafting. Quiet by his standards.
There is a robustness to Porter’s game which ensured that Ireland had heft on offer in tight and open play before the Leinster prop gave way to the record-breaking Cian Healy in the 67th minute.
It took a while for Kelleher to work his way into the game but then made some interventions, all too aware that he needs good marks in Andy Farrell’s notebook with gathering competition for the shirt. Three lineouts, though, lost on his watch.
Fallible in his catching– and he was not alone in dreadful Irish handling - will rue two early fumbles but kept his concentration well to tend to his basics at scrum and lineout.
There was a sigh of relief from the Leinster lock after an early clash of heads with Rob Valetini had him sweating on a possible yellow card, Reprieved to play his full part, in support and available.
Not as prominent as some of those around him, Ryan nonetheless dd what needed to be at the coal-face as the Ireland pack battled to assert itself.
Productive in the lineout for the most part and ever alert in the loose, snaffling ball at one point by jostling arm of Kellaway, Beirne was the source of ball as Ireland took the lead for the first time.
Continues with his outstanding series, scoring his third try with well-judged support play. Massive work-load and always involved in all that was important, either in defence or attack.
Unfussy and unshowy as usual, bending to the needs of the team first and foremost, Doris led from the front with typical ball-carrying gusto and deserved his try to help take his side into the lead. 7 Coaches This was an extra special coming together of two seminal figures in the rise and rise of Irish rugby over the last decade. Factor in also the upcoming Lions series to come next summer in Australia and it was first blood to Farrell.
There was a test match to be won and Andy Farrell had that at the forefront of his mind rather than the 150th anniversary celebrations or the record-cap landmark of Cian Healy Healy had his well-deserved moment, passing Brian O’Driscoll’s 133 cap tally but it was the appearance of half-backs Craig Casey and Jack Crowley that injected some much-needed zip and variety, replacement hooker, Gus McCarthy, the beneficiary with the match-winning try.
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