Your Player Ratings As Ireland Exact Revenge On The Wallabies In Melbourne
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1-1.
Ireland got revenge on the Wallabies this morning, edging them 26-21 in Melbourne to tie the series after last week’s opening Test defeat in Brisbane.
The men in green dominated proceedings possession-wise throughout the game, and perhaps will feel the they should have put Australia away much sooner. But a win’s a win, and the series is back on track.
Johnny Sexton was immense, Furlong was ferocious and Peter O’Mahony was like a man possesed at time, turning over the ball like there was no tomorrow. That being said, here are your player ratings.
Ireland vs Australia – 2nd Test
15. Rob Kearney – 7.5
Worked his way into the game after letting Beale ghost past him for the opening try. Solid under the high ball, but still lacking that attacking spark going forward at this level.
14. Andrew Conway – 7
Looked lively and took his try very well. Unfortunate to see him go off so early.
13. Garry Ringrose – 7.5
Excellent return to the starting line-up for the young centre. Couldn’t crack the Aussie defence but looked lively. Also put in some superb tackles in defence.
12. Robbie Henshaw – 7
Much improved on last week, he looks a lot more comfortable at 12. Still looks a bit off however, perhaps rushed back from injury a bit too soon.
11. Keith Earls – 8
Really good game from Earls, who showed Ireland what they were missing last week after he was forced off early. Some incredible catches under the high ball, and some man to find space and get over the gainline.
10. Johnny Sexton – 9
The general is back. Controlled the game incredibly well and took his chances from the tee.
9. Conor Murray – 8.5
Lovely fast ball and that pass for Conway’s try was magical.
1. Cian Healy – 6.5
Made some important carries, but conceded a penalty try and received a yellow all in one swoop. Went off injured after 44 minutes.
2. Niall Scannell – 7
Throwing was on point and steadied the scrum as Schmidt said he would.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 9
Man or machine? Incredible shift from the tighthead. A human wrecking ball, he was everywhere.
4. James Ryan – 8
Another superb performance from the youngster. Some of his carries were simply incredible.
5. Devin Toner – 8
The king of the latches did what was expected of him. Really upset the Aussies at the breakdown. Made a complete nuisance of himself.
6. Peter O’Mahony – 9.5
David Pocock? Never heard of him mate – O’Mahony was incredible, leading from the front, stealing everything that moved.
7. Dan Leavy – 7.5
Unfortunately taken off with an injury, but was a real nuisance when he was on.
8. CJ Stander – 7.5
Some big carries, and shut the Aussies down in defence.
Replacements – 7
Jordan Larmour was excellent when he came on very early for Conway. McGrath also looked sharp, as did Beirne and Porter. Carbery also made some big tackles when he came on for Toner of all people!
16. Rob Herring
17. Jack McGrath
18. Andrew Porter
19. Tadhg Beirne
20. Jordi Murphy
21. John Cooney
22. Joey Carbery
23. Jordan Larmour