Player ratings: Throwing it around
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An exciting match has seen the Australians entertain, but not win as they went down by the smallest margin against Ireland 26-23.
Ireland came out firing scoring 17 points in 16 minutes with some fast paced rugby, but Australia soon picked up and matched the pace of the game.
It became far tighter as the Wallabies fought back to make it all square at half time.
The second half was a far tighter display, but just as exciting, as the teams looked to edge each other out.
A few penalties were traded as the game remained tight, but in the end the Irish were strong enough to hold off the attacking Australians.
We rate the Wallabies.
15 Israel Folau
Solid and dependable at the back and looked more like his old self in attack – was brilliant at taking the ball out of the air.
8/10
14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
One of the quieter wings in a game where the ball was spread wide often but did not let his side down.
5/10
13 Tevita Kuridrani
Always makes good metres whether it is through people or gaps, his injury cut down his chances to shine in a fast-paced game.
6/10
12 Matt Toomua
Played a big role as a second flyhalf with his boot being called upon a couple times, but his linking play also deserves a mention.
7/10
11 Henry Speight
Looked busy and got involved, probably would have liked more chances to run with the ball, but fits in at international level seamlessly.
7/10
10 Bernard Foley
His ability to score tries and even create them is steadily growing as he runs the Wallabies with aplomb.
8/10
9 Nick Phipps
Made a mistake for Bowe's try (not his only one) but made immense with two great individual runs that led to his tries.
7/10
8 Ben McCalman
Made a good number of carries and added a good abrasive edge to the forwards.
6/10
7 Michael Hooper (captain)
As to be expected, he was monumental in defence and worked incredibly hard in such a quick game.
8/10
6 Luke Jones
A busy game from the new boy, clearly a hard grafter but would have liked more time to try impress.
6/10
5 Rob Simmons
Used predominantly in the line-outs, otherwise pretty quiet game for him.
5/10
4 Sam Carter
Missed a couple tackles and did not look hugely impressive at all.
4/10
3 Sekope Kepu
Looked to carry the ball a few times but struggled to make metres against the abrasive Irish defence.
5/10
2 Saia Fainga'a
Tried to be aggressive and abrasive but was shunted around a bit.
6/10
1 James Slipper
Works amazingly hard in the loose for a prop forward and always puts in his fair share of tackles.
7/10
Replacements:
16 James Hanson (on for Fainga'a, 70 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Benn Robinson (on for Slipper, 75 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Tetera Faulkner (on for Kepu, 70 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
19 Will Skelton (on for Carter 72 mins)
Not enough time to be rated – but was a real impact player with his ball carries.
20 Jake Schatz (on for Jones, 53 mins)
Did not have a huge impact, but was used in the line-outs and made a few tackles.
5/10
21 Will Genia (on for Phipps, 68 mins)
Showed a bit of class and experience, seemed far steadier and reliable than Phipps
6/10
22 Quade Cooper (on for Foley, 64 mins)
Had a few magical touches, but did not quite justify a starting position.
6/10
23 Kurtley Beale (on for Kuridrani, 45 mins)
Got an extended run but did not really impose him on his controversial comeback
5/10
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