Ireland stun the Wallabies
Ireland recorded a memorable victory as they stunned Tri-Nations champions Australia 15-6 at Eden Park.
Last Updated: 17/09/11 5:14pm
Ireland recorded a memorable victory as they stunned Tri-Nations champions Australia 15-6 at Eden Park.
An enthralling encounter remained in the balance throughout but it was the power of the Ireland pack and the kicking of Jonathan Sexton and Ronan O'Gara that settled it in Ireland's favour.
Sexton landed nine points, while O'Gara added six but it was the scrum that provided the platform with the Aussies struggling throughout.
And with no platform to build on, the much-vaunted Australia backline was forced to live off scraps.
Australia had gone into the game as favourites after lifting the Tri-Nations crown and having seen off Italy in the opening week.
But they managed just two James O'Connor efforts - and in the second half in particular, they looked devoid of ideas.
A bright start from Ireland saw them run a penalty from their own 22, while the pack was able to disrupt Australia at the set-piece.
However Australia quickly regrouped and had the first chance to get some points on the board - but O'Connor saw his effort after six minutes curl just wide.
The mercurial back made no mistake three minutes later, though, as the Wallabies profited from an encouraging spell of pressure in the Ireland 22.
Sexton just missed with his first shot at goal but just like O'Connor he found his range with his second effort to level the scores on 16 minutes.
Hamper
And the Leinster fly-half put Ireland in front with a cleanly struck drop-goal - only for Australia to hit back through an O'Connor penalty.
Silly penalties at the breakdown were beginning to hamper Ireland's bright play, although O'Connor was unable to make them pay as his kick on 26 minutes dropped just wide.
Sexton also saw his penalty drift wide six minutes later after Australia's scrum collapse under intense pressure.
And it was up-front where Ireland had the edge, with the Wallabies in all sorts of problems at the set-piece - although they were able to reach the break with the scores level.
The second half saw both sides slug it out like two heavyweight champions - with Sexton landing the first telling blow with a penalty after 48 minutes.
Another penalty from Sexton came back off the post and just bounced over the on-rushing O'Driscoll.
Australia attempted to counter by pinning Ireland back in their 22 but Declan Kidney's men showed their adventure by attacking from deep - with Tommy Bowe unlucky to have his chip ahead charged down.
Another collapsed scrum gifted Ireland a further shot at goal - with O'Gara taking over the kicking duties and slotting the ball over with ease.
Ireland had the wind in their sails and began to hammer away at the Australia line and they picked another three points from O'Gara as Australia's scrum crumbled on their own ball.
With a nine-point deficit, Australia suddenly raised their game and threw everything at the Irish defence.
But Ireland held firm and Tommy Bowe managed to intercept and run 90m before O'Connor was able to tackle him into touch.
Connor Murray then thought he had settled it when he scooted over only for the ref to disallow the try.
