Ireland battled through a tedious and intermittently interesting match against an ill-disciplined Australian team to win 13-10. For the majority of the game, the Ireland rugby team was forced to defend for much of the game, but Bundee Aki burst through for a key second-half try and Ross Byrne kicked a superb touchline penalty to give Ireland the three-point victory.
A look at how the Ireland player performed, according to us.
Ireland Rugby: Player Ratings
15 Hugo Keenan - 6
He displayed some excellent positioning and heroic last-ditch defence on a difficult night.
14 Mack Hansen - 5
Like his teammates, he found it difficult to make an impact in the game as Ireland spent the majority of the night defending. When Australia were down to 13 men, it was frustrating to see him go into touch - TWICE.
13 Garry Ringrose - 6
Some incredible defence reads in the 1st half and got Ireland out of a lot of problems. Failed to get on the ball as much as we wanted to see him.
12 Stuart McCloskey - 6
Well marshalled by Australia as he was Ireland’s main go forward carrier. Didn’t see his passing skills as he carried direct to contact all night. 10 ball carries and 9 tackles.
11 Jimmy O’Brien - 6
Very lateral in his counter attack. His left boot was a bonus during Ireland’s ability to get out of their 22m zone, Lost 2 aerial duels in the 2nd half.
10 Jack Crowley - 6
A last-minute bench call-up for an injured Sexton. Needs a lot of time to learn the Ireland system because he had trouble getting the country's attack to operate and was out of position for the majority of its renowned phase attack shape.
9 Jamison Gibson Park -6
An out of sorts performance. Struggled with the poor ruck speed that Ireland had. His box kicking was poor under Australian pressure.
1 Andrew Porter - 7
Never under any scrum pressure and spent the majority of the night tackling (14) opponents. became side-tracked by his involvement in a few pointless disputes with the opposition. Gave up three penalties.
2 Dan Sheehan - 7
Got on the ball more in attack in the 2nd half. Had a good throwing performance. Nearly got over for a trademark maul try at the end of the first half . 11 tackles in defence
3 Tadhg Furlong -7
His first-half defensive organisation was superb and even had time to show us his GAA skills with a hefty left boot down the field. 15 tackles.
4 Tadhg Beirne - 7
Lifted the team out of an early slumber with a trademark breakdown steal. Controlled the lineout well. Got through a lot of defence work with his 15 tackles.
5 James Ryan – 7
A huge moment with a crucial lineout steal just before half time to deny Australia a score. . His defensive effect was outstanding with 16 tackles.
6 Peter O’Mahony (Capt.) - 6
Led the physical battle all night and looked frustrated with his team’s efforts. Poor tactical decision not to go for a scrum when Australia were down to 14. Chipped in with just 5 tackles.
7 Josh Van Der Flier - 7
Forced into defensive duties and Just got down & dirty all night Top tackler in Ireland with 26 tackles and 6 ball carries.
8 Caelan Doris - 8
The Ireland No. 8 had yet another outstanding performance. The fight he had with Valetini was the most exciting aspect of this game. A crucial ball carry that gave Ireland's try momentum. 23 tackles and 14 ball carries.
Ireland Rugby Player Ratings - Replacements
Rob Herring -6
Good scrum that produced the penalty to win the game.
Cian Healy - 6
Great experience off the bench to get Ireland the scrum penalty that won them the match.
Finley Bealham - 5
Gave away a dumb penalty to the frustrations of his team mates that led to Australia’s try.
Joe McCarthy - 6
A debut for the big lock forward. Through himself into it. Much more to come from the big man. Disappointed to give away a few penalties.
Jack Conan - 7
A steady experienced performance as he produced some big moments in defence late in the 2nd half.
Craig Casey - 7
Ireland’s attack improved on his introduction.
Ross Byrne – 7
Only on for 8 minutes – but won the game for Ireland with an incredible touchline penalty.
Bundee Aki - 7
Loads of energy from the bench. Got over for Ireland’s 1st try after great work by Dorris.
Coach – 6
For Farrell and his coaching staff, a fantastic 2022, but this game will annoy them. Before kick-off, they dealt with Sexton's withdrawal. Teams are currently putting their game-plan to thwart Ireland's attack together, therefore it will be critical for them to create a Plan B.
