Australia v Ireland player ratings: Wallabies big guns lack impact in second test

THE Wallabies were brought back to earth by the Irish in the second Test with our big names unable to fire a shot after the second minute of the game. HOW THEY RATED.

Kurtley Beale on his way to the tryline against Ireland. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

AUSTRALIA failed to back up from their first up victory last week and were thoroughly outplayed by the Irish at AAMI Park.
With the team hit by injuries Australia now have to find their way back into the series which concluded in Sydney next Saturday.
Here are the player ratings from Game II.

15. Israel Folau: Limited impact in attack, just couldn’t find his way into the game and Ireland shut down his space. 4

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14. Dane Haylett-Petty: Solid under the high ball and chased hard, didn’t put a foot wrong but just couldn’t break into open space. 6

13. Samu Kerevi: Had a busy start and was still threatening at the end of the match. One of Australia’s most dangerous players. 7

Kurtley Beale scored in the second minute but struggled to impose his will on the game. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

12. Kurtley Beale: Ran a brilliant line for first try, but otherwise didn’t figure in the key moments. 5

11. Marika Koroibete: Yellow card for lifting tackle early cost his team dearly, and he couldn’t make up for it. 4

10. Bernard Foley: Inside ball to Beale for the first try was magic, but otherwise he couldn’t spark the team when it counted. 4

9. Will Genia: Effective with service and leadership before an early injury forced him off. His absence was missed. 5

Caleb Timy on the charge during a mixed game for the Wallabies. Picture: AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST

8. Caleb Timu: Made some good metres early in the game but errors crept in and he was outworked by the Irish backrow. 5

7. Michael Hooper: A quiet game for the skipper, didn’t have his usual impact in attack. 5

One of Australia’s better players but David Pocock did not the same impact as last week. (AAP Image/Hamish Blair)

6. David Pocock: Key turnovers again typified his performance, he pilfered Ireland ball and shut down raids but was missing in attack. 7

5. Adam Coleman: Quieter than last week before a cheekbone injury forced him off early in the second half. 5

4. Izack Rodda: Silent performance. Needed to make a big statement but was bettered by his rivals. 4

3. Sekope Kepu: Strong in the scrum, ran well early but didn’t have the punch of his rivals. 5

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa: Generally threw well in the lineout and held his own in the scrum before being replaced at halftime. 5

1. Scott Sio: Gave away a penalty after scrum collapse in the 13th minute, bounced back well but not his best game. 5

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RESERVES

16: Tolu Latu: Threw well and was effective at the back of the rolling maul while trying to pilfer in defence. 5

17. Tom Robertson: Ran hard upon his entry, had a nice offload in attack and pushed for a starting spot. 5

Taniela Tupou barged his way over for a try and showed his potential to be a major strike weapon for Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

18. Taniela Tupou: Big scrummaging when he came on, made a difference at set-piece, was a handful with the ball and scored a late try. 7

1 9. Rob Simmons: Kept the lineout functioning when he entered the fray but didn’t deliver any more. 5

20. Lukhan Tui: Was a reliable lineout target, but couldn’t use his size to break Ireland open when needed. 5

21. Pete Samu: Had a strong run when he was injected late but the game had passed him by. 5

22. Nick Phipps: Had to come on early to replace Genia. Service was sharp but missed tackled and handling errors were telling. 5

23. Reece Hodge: Limited involvement late in the game. 5