Player Ratings: Ireland
OPINION: Andy Farrell came into this expecting his Irish side to produce their best performance of this Nations Series.
However they failed to deliver and in the end, had to make do with a tension-filled 22-19 success that was a nervous reprise of the narrow win over Australia two years ago.
The Wallabies may have come unstuck six days earlier in Scotland, but they were fully tooled up here with their efforts considerably helped by the insider knowledge of Joe Schmidt, Farrell’s old Ireland boss in his days of coaching the defence.
The pre-game pageantry for this 150th anniversary game in front of a sold-out crowd didn’t carry over into an error-ridden opening period where Ireland coughed up a dozen turnovers, generally looked tired and ended up 5-13 behind.
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An early second-half uptick soon changed the complexion but their 15-13 lead was short-lived and it wasn’t until sub Gus McCarthy was driven over for a converted 73rd minute try that the advantage they took to the finish was retaken.
The sabbatical-taking Farrell and Schmidt will resume their coaching battle on next summer’s British and Irish Lions tour.
In the meantime, it will be left to interim boss Simon Easterby to refresh the worryingly stuttering Irish attack which three of this month’s four oppositions have figured out.
Here are the Ireland player ratings:
15. Hugo Keenan – 5.5
The afternoon could have been so much easier for Ireland if he hadn’t knocked on four minutes in with the line at his mercy, a mishap in keeping with his mixed fortunes this month. Stuck at it and eventually had his moment when retaining the kick that helped set to the Caelan Doris score.
14. Mack Hansen – 5
The only Irish back to start all four matches in the series, a quiet first-half was followed by a similarly muted second. Didn’t have the gas or the footwork to make a telling difference.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 6.5
Missed the catch that led to a panicked Ireland’s concession of the opening try on 19 minutes but did better when winning a scamper back to deny Andrew Kellaway 11 minutes later. His head-to-head with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii didn’t spark but he carried hard in the second half.
12. Bundee Aki – 5
In regal form last weekend, that display wasn’t repeated here. How he was defensively sucked during the creation of the sole Australian try typified the general lack of spark. Was better after the break but exited on 56.
11. James Lowe – 4.5
One of the four Ireland players named last Sunday in World Rugby’s 2024 dream team, his display wasn’t reflective of that honour. An example? The pass into touch and not Ronan Kelleher’s hands that butchered a 27th-minute try chance.
10. Sam Prendergast – 5.5
Massive selection call by Farrell keeping him in the XV, he shouldn’t be blamed for Ireland being 15-19 down when he departed on 14 minutes from the finish. He was busy on both sides of the ball, making two-try saving scrambles and while he didn’t threaten the gain line with ball in hand, his wristy passing gave Ireland some edges that weren’t grasped in an attack too hung up on a multi-faceted approach.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 4.5
Another of the 2024 world’s best, he was off his game here and it was a relief to have Craig Casey replace him on 66 minutes. His aimless kick on 47 minutes that gave Australia an easy catch in the 22 was an example of it just not clicking for the usually reliable performer.
1. Andrew Porter – 5.5
The first of the half-dozen forwards to start every Irish game this month, his muted opening period away from a solid scrum gave way to a busier second half in the trenches before getting subbed on 67 minutes.
2. Ronan Kelleher – 6
Worked hard at the set-piece but couldn’t nail the one first-half lineout he needed too, his catch missing Tadhg Beirne. Was important in upping the second-half tempo before he too exited with 13 minutes left.
3. Finlay Bealham – 5
Solid scrummaging but he was one of the biggest culprits when it came to turning over ball in general play. There were knock-ons either side of the opening Australian score.
4. Joe McCarthy – 4.5
Touted by Clive Woodward as a potential Lions Test starter, he wasn’t the best version of himself which was disappointing as he needs to add a greater consistency to what he delivers in these big matches.
5. James Ryan – 5.5
Put in a valuable shift when the game was really ugly for Ireland, tackling regularly and being generally solid in what he did. Hooked, though, on 54 minutes along with his partner McCarthy.
6. Tadhg Beirne – 6.5
Back to blindside after excelling last week at lock, the World Rugby dream team pick provided excellent ball off the top of the lineout Ireland opening try. Moved into for the closing 26 minutes where he continued to wield presence.
7. Josh van der Flier – 6.5
His 23rd-minute try was the third game in the series where he scored. It was tough going in the trenches but it eventually helped to make a match-winning difference.
8. Caelan Doris – 6.5
Tough day for the British and Irish Lions skipper in waiting, even though he was awarded the sponsor’s official player of the match award. Just five carries for eight metres in the entire opening half highlighted how Schmidt had a viable plan to shut him down. Hit back in the second half with a 49th minute try, but a holding on penalty 13 minutes later cost three points.
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy – 7
A superb 13-minute impact from the bench capped by his all-important try.
17. Cian Healy – 6
What a way to come Ireland’s all-time caps holder, the 67th-minute sub helping his team to their comeback success.
18. Tom O’Toole – 5.5
Quickly gave up the penalty that gave Australia back the lead on 55 just after his introduction, he settled into it after that. Was Iain Henderson’s back lifter at the lineout for the decisive maul try.
19. Iain Henderson – 6.5
Disappointed in his previous cameos this month, his effort was greatly improved. Some fine lineout takes and mauling.
20. Peter O’Mahony – 5.5
Took some punishment but still helped drive Ireland on get the job done.
21. Craig Casey – 7.5
Best effort in an Ireland shirt. He was the perfect sub to up the ante when things were looking worrying.
22. Jack Crowley – 7
Sucked up his huge personal disappointment to provide valuable impetus in his 14 minutes. It was his clever kick in behind that forced Australia to concede the lineout that led to McCarthy’s vital try.
23. Garry Ringrose – 5.5
Only recalled to the bench and not the starting XV, he was given 24 minutes for Aki. Good energy but couldn’t make telling difference with Ireland over-playing their attack moves.
