What a contest!<\/p>\n
Ireland have beaten Australia by 33-31, after being behind for the majority of the game.<\/p>\n
It was a rusty performance with a lot of errors, but they dug deep.<\/p>\n
Tom O’Toole – 6<\/p>\n
Scrum was solid, but that’s not saying much against the Aussies.<\/p>\n
Didn’t show his Six Nations form, but a decent showing nonetheless.<\/p>\n
Dan Sheehan – 7<\/p>\n
The lineout was poor in the first half, which he must shoulder a fair bit of the blame for.<\/p>\n
Showed up in big moments and produced a delicate assist for Van der Flier’s try.<\/p>\n
Tadhg Furlong – 5.5<\/p>\n
Really showed his age this game, and had minimal influence.<\/p>\n
He needs to be used as an impact sub from now on.<\/p>\n
Joe McCarthy – 7<\/p>\n
Brought the fight to the Wallabies in the 40 when the most of the pack looked lack lustre.<\/p>\n
James Ryan – 6.5<\/p>\n
Similar to McCarthy in his performance.<\/p>\n
Was unlucky to be penalised for Sheehan’s try disallowed after disengaging from the maul.<\/p>\n
Cian Prendergast – 5.5<\/p>\n
Made a good few tackles but didn’t offer much in the carry.<\/p>\n
Josh van der Flier – 7.5<\/p>\n
A really good showing from the openside.<\/p>\n
Was Ireland’s top tackler despite being brought off early in the second half, and took his try well.<\/p>\n
Josh Conan – 7.5<\/p>\n
Showed what Irish rugby misses in general with his offload to Gibson-Park for his try on half-time.<\/p>\n
He’s a six-time test Lion for a reason.<\/p>\n
Jamison Gibson-Park – 7.5<\/p>\n
Still the most important player in the side.<\/p>\n
His box-kicking is arguably the best of any player ever.<\/p>\n
Sam Prendergast – 5.5<\/p>\n
His intercept pass was crucial in the scoreline, and he missed an easy conversion in the first half.<\/p>\n
Defence was solid for the most part and had some nice touches throughout the game.<\/p>\n
Jamie Osborne – 5.5<\/p>\n
The wingers never got into the game.<\/p>\n
Didn’t do much wrong but was fairly anonymous.<\/p>\n
Stuart McCloskey – 7.5<\/p>\n
Quiet for a lot of the first half but showed up in most of Ireland’s big moments.<\/p>\n
Garry Ringrose – 6.5<\/p>\n
Led the defensive line well as he always does.<\/p>\n
Jimmy O’Brien – 5.5<\/p>\n
Hugo Keenan – 8<\/p>\n
Ireland do not win this game without Keenan.<\/p>\n
Sensational as the last defender and great in the air.<\/p>\n
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