Ireland 49 Australia 19 

Andy Farrell’s men delivered a performance that sent a message, as their autumn fixtures had not gone to plan so far. Facing former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt’s Australia, a statement was made ahead of South Africa next week.  

After a poor loss against the All Blacks and a messy win against Japan, the boys in green took some inspiration from the Ireland soccer team. They had a famous win over Portugal in the same stadium just two days before. 

There was early pressure from Ireland right from the whistle, and it was clear they wanted to come out of the blocks firing. After a quick tap from Lowe and Gibson Park, Mack Hansen, who was starting at fullback for Ireland for the first time, went under the post for the first score of the game. On his return from injury, Hansen got the scoring going, and Sam Prendergast converted.  

In a near carbon copy of Ireland’s first score, some sharp, quick passing, and a great carry to the line for Henshaw, Hansen went over for his second try of the game.  

The score read 14-0 just 11 minutes in. A dream start for Ireland and for Hansen, and Australia looked slightly sluggish. Clearly the Wallabies struggled with Ireland’s quick pace and intent. 

Ireland’s line out had been one of the standout problems in recent games. It seemed to be improved but still messy at times. Throughout the game Ryan Baird was finding some joy in the air disrupting the Australian line out and had several steals. 

The visitors started to get going with their first real period of pressure they put Ireland under about 16 minutes in. Australia won a penalty advantage but didn’t need it as centre Ikitau gave their first score of the game. O’Connor followed with a conversion.

Ireland didn’t slow down and another cleverly placed cross field kick from Prendergast, was gathered by O’Brien. It was left for Hansen who got his third try of the game and a first half hat-trick.  

It’s a Hansen hat-trick of tries as the return of the Mack pays off for Ireland again #IREvAUS

Updates – https://t.co/xpg5S1tL6f
Watch – https://t.co/b2OI4OpuLh pic.twitter.com/MPI0NfQ9jS

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 15, 2025

Australia didn’t relent and James Ryan gave away a penalty for just on the five metre line. Fraser McReight went over for a try just before halftime. It got the visitors back in the game to leave a five-point deficit at half-time. 

The game went into a bit of a lull in the second half, with both sides playing a little cautious. To relieve some pressure and to keep the score board ticking over, Prendergast slotted over a drop goal in the 56th minute, to make the score 22-14 to Ireland. 

Just after Jack Crowley came on for Prendergast, he scored a penalty and made it a two-score game.

Captain Caelen Doris then powered over the line to score Ireland’s fourth try with ten to play. The score came from a kick from Crowley, brilliantly gathered by Hansen and sustained pressure from Ireland on the line. This score sealed the win for the home side.

Some ill-discipline for Australia costed them a yellow card for Nick Frost, to finish the game with 14 men. Though, the visitors clawed one score back and go over to make the score 32-19.  

Ryan Baird went over for Ireland’s fifth try with three minutes to go, which was converted by Crowley. For the icing on the cake, Gibson Park slotted a cross field kick. It was gathered by Henshaw who went over for Ireland’s sixth and last try of the game.

With the final score 49-19, Ireland’s performance was a step forward in the right direction after two disjointed games. Though it was a much improved Ireland, they will have to be at their best for world number one, South Africa next week. The game is on this Saturday 21 November, in the Aviva Stadium, kicking off at 5.40.




Post navigation