Full player ratings as Ireland edge dramatic Wallabies thriller
Ratings.
Ireland survived a huge scare in Sydney to open the series with a dramatic one-point victory over Australia in a Test that swung wildly from start to finish on Saturday morning.
Andy Farrell’s side produced moments of outstanding attacking rugby but were also left exposed defensively on several occasions before holding their nerve late on. Here are our Ireland player ratings from a pulsating first Test.
15. Hugo Keenan – 9
Outstanding from start to finish. Produced two brilliant cover tackles in the opening half to deny Australia certain tries and constantly found a way to break beyond the first line of defence. Capped off an excellent all-round display with a deserved try.
14. Jimmy O’Brien – 6
Thrown into the starting side late following Rob Baloucoune’s injury, O’Brien looked eager to make an impact. Won a couple of turnovers but also forced a few moments, including an ambitious offload that didn’t stick. Gave away a needless obstruction penalty in an otherwise industrious outing.
13. Garry Ringrose – 6
Showed his class with clever distribution, creating Jamison Gibson-Park’s try before producing another well-weighted pass to put Hugo Keenan over. Defensively he never shied away from the work, although Australia found space through the midfield at times.
12. Stuart McCloskey – 7
One of Ireland’s most effective ball carriers throughout. Consistently got his side over the gainline, occupied multiple defenders and also made important contributions at the breakdown. His powerful carry laid the platform for Cian Prendergast’s try.
11. Jamie Osborne – 5
A difficult afternoon playing out of position. Had a few uncertain moments defensively, particularly with his reads rather than his tackling, and never really received an opportunity to influence the game in attack before being replaced.
10. Sam Prendergast – 5
A performance that summed up both his talent and the areas still to develop. Produced some excellent tactical kicking and calmly landed the match-winning conversion, while his passing created opportunities. However, an interception led directly to an Australian try and he’ll know his game management and defensive presence can improve.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 7
Another assured display from Ireland’s scrum-half. Controlled the tempo well, kicked intelligently from the base and produced consistently accurate box kicks. Scored his try and, aside from one loose pass, was influential throughout.
1. Tom O’Toole – 6
Worked tirelessly in both attack and defence, carrying regularly and tackling effectively. Returned to the action following Jeremy Loughman’s injury and battled through a difficult finish after conceding a couple of scrum penalties.
2. Dan Sheehan (c) – 7
Lineout issues affected Ireland but weren’t solely down to the captain. Around the field he was once again outstanding, carrying with real intent and producing a superb no-look pass to set up Josh van der Flier’s try. Unlucky to see his own effort ruled out.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 6
Showed flashes of the footwork that has become his trademark and got through plenty of work in the tight exchanges. Carried hard when Ireland needed momentum and linked play effectively in midfield.
4. Joe McCarthy – 6
Australia targeted him with some huge hits but he never stopped coming back for more. Continued to provide front-foot ball and was a major physical presence around Ireland’s driving maul.
5. James Ryan – 6
Typical industrious performance from the second row, throwing himself into work around the park. Won a couple of important turnovers but will regret spilling a potential try-scoring pass, while his infringement also contributed to Dan Sheehan’s disallowed try.
6. Cian Prendergast – 6
Added another strong lineout option and took his try powerfully. Finished with a huge tackle count but was caught out on a couple of Australia’s scores, although there were defensive lapses around him too.
7. Josh van der Flier – 8
Outstanding work-rate once again. Racked up 19 tackles before being surprisingly withdrawn early in the second half and remained influential with ball in hand. Timed his run perfectly to score Ireland’s third try.
8. Jack Conan – 9
A colossal display. Repeatedly broke through Australia’s first line of defence, kept Ireland moving forward with powerful carries and covered enormous ground defensively. Added two superb try assists in one of his finest performances in green.
Replacements – 7
Ireland’s bench made a significant impact when it mattered most. Rónan Kelleher, Nick Timoney, Tadhg Beirne and Ciarán Frawley all lifted the intensity, while Thomas Clarkson powered over for a crucial late try. Bundee Aki, meanwhile, would have been relieved to see Ben Donaldson’s late penalty drift wide.
