\n Ireland\u00a049\u00a0Australia 19\u00a0<\/p>\n
Andy Farrell\u2019s 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\u2019s Australia, a statement was made ahead of South Africa next week. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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<\/a> in the same stadium just two days before.\u00a0<\/p>\n There was early pressure from Ireland\u00a0right from the\u00a0whistle, and\u00a0it was clear\u00a0they wanted to come out of the blocks\u00a0firing.\u00a0After a quick tap from Lowe and Gibson\u00a0Park,\u00a0Mack Hansen, who was starting at fullback for Ireland for the first time, went under the post\u00a0for the first score of the game. On his return from injury, Hansen got the scoring going, and\u00a0Sam\u00a0Prendergast converted.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n In a near carbon copy of Ireland\u2019s 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019s quick pace and intent.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ireland\u2019s\u00a0line out\u00a0had been one of the standout problems in recent games. It\u00a0seemed to be\u00a0improved but still messy at times.\u00a0Throughout the game Ryan Baird was finding some joy in the air disrupting the Australian line out and had several steals.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019t need it as centre Ikitau gave their first score of the game. O\u2019Connor followed with a conversion.<\/p>\n Ireland\u00a0didn\u2019t slow down and another cleverly placed cross field kick from Prendergast, was gathered by\u00a0O\u2019Brien. It was left for Hansen who got his\u00a0third try of the game and\u00a0a first half\u00a0hat-trick.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s a Hansen hat-trick of tries as the return of the Mack pays off for Ireland again #IREvAUS<\/a><\/p>\n Updates \u2013 https:\/\/t.co\/xpg5S1tL6f<\/a>
Watch \u2013 https:\/\/t.co\/b2OI4OpuLh<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/MPI0NfQ9jS<\/a><\/p>\n