Following Ireland\u2019s 46-19 victory over the Wallabies at the Aviva Stadium, here\u2019s our key winners and losers from the end-of-year Test in Dublin.<\/p>\n
Winners<\/p>\n
Mack Hansen<\/p>\n
Born and raised in Australia but now playing for Ireland, his performance will leave the Wallabies<\/a> fans thinking what could have been. Hansen took the headlines for his hat-trick but his all-round display was outstanding as the 27-year-old starred after shifting from wing to full-back.<\/p>\n Hansen\u2019s opening two tries were almost carbon copies of each other as Ireland<\/a> brilliantly manipulated the Australian defence to open the space, but the lines he took should not be underestimated.<\/p>\n Sam Prendergast<\/p>\n The debate over the 10 shirt will continue but, on this evidence, Prendergast should retain it for the Springboks clash. Andy Farrell<\/a> could possibly prefer Jack Crowley\u2019s greater defensive solidity as it was all too easy for Len Ikitau to break through the Leinsterman for his try, but everything else was absolutely exceptional from the fly-half.<\/p>\n It was arguably Ireland\u2019s greatest attacking performance since Johnny Sexton retired, with Prendergast very much to the fore, as they cut through the Wallabies\u2019 defence with regularity. The 22-year-old has his detractors but Saturday\u2019s effort was superb and could be enough for him to take the shirt for the Six Nations.<\/p>\n Andy Farrell<\/p>\n Has taken a bit of flak over the past 12 months, particularly over his refusal to bring through younger players. That argument is valid but, ultimately, only results and performances matter, and Saturday\u2019s clash will silence the doubters.<\/p>\n There are also signs of some squad development with Tommy O\u2019Brien cementing the right wing spot, Paddy McCarthy starting at loosehead and Ryan Baird excelling at blindside and seemingly locking down that position for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n Tom Hooper<\/p>\n Along with Rob Valetini, who also deserves a mention, they were the only Wallabies to really produce performances of note. Hooper has enjoyed a fine season and has become a key part of the Australian squad this year.<\/p>\n The back five forward\u2019s incredible work-rate, allied by his physicality at close quarters and ability in the lineout, makes him a fine Test operator. Unfortunately, too many of his team-mates just didn\u2019t reach his level in Dublin.<\/p>\n Caelan Doris<\/p>\n Has only just returned from a lengthy injury but they would have wanted a bit more from the captain in the first half. However, once Doris moved to number eight, he was outstanding, showing why he was favourite to be British and Irish Lions captain before his injury. It was a timely return to form, particularly with the back-to-back world champions looming.<\/p>\n James Ryan<\/p>\n Somehow escaped a card after the lock tipped a Wallabies player above the horizontal. Although the footage does not show the exact point of contact, given the direction the Australian was travelling, it looked as though he landed on his head.<\/p>\n It happened in the first half with Ireland just 14-7 ahead but the officials decided not to take action and the hosts would then go on to score their third try a few minutes later. These are the sort of incidents World Rugby are trying to stamp out so it was surprising that it was not punished appropriately.<\/p>\n Ireland player ratings v Australia: \u2018Splendid\u2019 display by \u2018odd boots\u2019 seized initiative but another \u2018fully charged\u2019 performer also impressed<\/a><\/p>\n