Wallabies defeated by Ireland in Dublin thriller, but Lions on notice for 2025

A titanic defensive performance by the Wallabies fell just short of what would have been a famous win in Ireland, but it’s now clear that Joe Schmidt’s team can take on the British and Irish Lions.

A titanic defensive performance by the Wallabies fell just short in Dublin as Ireland claimed a thrilling 22-19 victory, but it’s now clear that Joe Schmidt’s team will give the British & Irish Lions a thorough examination next year.

Australia made 137 tackles, missing just 14, in a breathless game, while Ireland had 59 per cent of the possession, and a staggering 76 per cent territory.

Yet the game came down to one final Australia error after the full-time siren, although some dubious refereeing calls hurt them.

Fraser McReight led the Aussie resistance, and he was ably supported by backrow partners Harry Wilson and Rob Valetini as Ireland threw wave after wave of attack in the Wallabies’ red zone.

Australia led 19-15 until the 73rd minute, but couldn’t keep out the Irish, who were celebrating their 150-year rugby anniversary.

Ireland celebrate Gus McCarthy’s match winning try. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Schmidt’s team leaves the spring tour with two wins and two defeats, however this performance was the finest indication of how far they’ve progressed since Eddie Jones presided over their early World Cup exit last year.

The grit, determination and defensive trust the players showed has built the foundation of a strong team that 12 months ago couldn’t have hoped to compete with the Lions, but will enter 2025 believing they can defeat the touring squad.

They nearly defeated the world No.2 side without stars Will Skelton and Angus Bell, and at full strength the Wallabies will be formidable.

After repelling Ireland on countless occasions, it appeared they were on the verge of one of their greatest wins.

McReight and Andrew Kellaway held up replacement hooker Gus McCarthy over the line from a rolling maul play with nine minutes remaining.

But 90 seconds later, they couldn’t stop McCarthy as he powered over from another rolling maul.

The conversion gave Ireland a 22-19 lead with seven minutes to play, and playmaker Tane Edmed was then thrown in for his first Test, the 19th Wallaby debutant this year.

However, he suffered a head knock within three minutes and was taken off the field, bringing Noah Lolesio back.

While Australia had chances late to get into Irish territory and either get a try or lure a penalty shot for a draw, handling errors proved costly while Ireland constantly disrupted their breakdown.

The Wallabies defended for their lives against Ireland. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Ireland’s 21-year-old five-eighth Sam Prendergast conducted an attacking orchestra for the opening 65 minutes, before he was replaced by Jack Crowley.

The home team showed the composure of a team that has been among the world’s best for five years, and had the edge in the key late moments.

The Wallabies led 13-5 at the break, but Ireland were ahead nine minutes into the second half.

Prendergast got Ireland on the board three minutes into the second half with a penalty goal following a James Slipper breakdown infringement.

Ireland worked themselves back into Australian territory again, and following a penalty they went for the lineout, spread the ball back infield and captain Caelan Doris waltzed through under the posts.

Prendergast’s conversion made it 15-13, giving Ireland the lead for the first time in the 49th minute.

Five minutes later, the Wallabies regained the lead via a Lolesio penalty goal from in front of the posts.

A 48-metre penalty from Lolesio in the 63rd minute put Australia 19-15 ahead.

Taniela Tupou nearly scored a second for the Wallabies. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Lolesio had put Australia 3-0 up with an 10th minute penalty, before Max Jorgensen scored the opening try of the game in the 19th, finishing a sizzling backline spread that saw Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii draw two defenders on a decoy run, allowing Lolesio to find Tom Wright out the back.

The fullback drew his man and threw a lovely pass to Jorgensen who outpaced the chasing tacklers to slide over.

Australia’s 10-0 advantage was cut in the 27th minute when Irish flanker Josh van der Flier crashed over from close range.

But several further Ireland raids in the Wallabies’ quarter were repelled with sound tackling and Irish errors.

The Wallabies could have had a second try after Taniela Tupou intercepted the ball in his own half, galloped downfield but had his over-the-head pass snatched by Prendergast. However, the hosts conceded a penalty from the ensuing ruck, allowing Lolesio to extend Australia’s lead to 13-5.

Originally published as Wallabies defeated by Ireland in Dublin thriller, but Lions on notice for 2025