A massive improvement!
Ireland were 46-19 winners against Australia this evening, in their third game of the Autumn Nations Series.
Many of the issues from their first two games were addressed, as Mack Hansen scored a hat-trick on his return to the side.
Paddy McCarthy – 7
Gave away one of the silliest penalties ever seen at the Aviva, after being told to leave the ball multiple times, before going back for more.
Other than that, it was a very good first start, with solid scrummaging, and an eye-catching first-half carry.
Dan Sheehan – 6.5
The lineout was much improved, and this was in part due to solid darts from Sheehan.
However, he is still a bit off the world’s-best form we know he can produce.
Tadhg Furlong – 6.5
Was a key part in a successful scrummaging performance all-round.
Not as active as McCarthy, however.
James Ryan – 6.5
His usual solid self, and should be commended for helping to fix the lineout.
Tadhg Beirne – 6.5
Had a similar performance to Ryan in terms of metres, carries, tackles, and overall impact.
Like Sheehan, was still well off his best.
Ryan Baird – 7.5
Another top performance, with at least three lineout steals, and capped it off with a powerful finish for his try.
Quickly becoming one of his country’s most important players.
Caelan Doris – 7.5
Really grew into the game as it went on, which is understandable considering his lengthy layoff over the summer.
Expect a huge showing next week against South Africa.
Jack Conan – 6
Didn’t have his usual impact, and made just seven metres.
Brought off for Nick Timoney at 47 minutes.
Jamison Gibson-Park – 7.5
One poor cross-field attempt aside, he was largely flawless.
A magnificent kick assist for Robbie Henshaw.
Sam Prendergast – 7.5
Made a huge, turnover-winning hit on James O’Connor early on, but showed familiar frailties in defence, particularly for Australia’s first try.
Overall, however, he had a heap of great touches, with his up-and-unders key to Ireland’s success.
James Lowe – 7.5
Is a magician at keeping the ball in play, as opponents leap on him, in vain attempts to shove him into touch.
Showed off his aerial and kicking skills as well.
Bundee Aki – 7
An encouraging performance from a man who has been off his best for a while.
Made some key carries.
Came on after 26 minutes for an injured Stuart McCloskey, who had started very well.
Robbie Henshaw – 7
Excellent in defence as usual, and was rewarded with a try.
Despite this, Ireland still need to infuse some new blood into the centre.
Tommy O’Brien – 7
Another tireless performance.
Did brilliantly to hold onto Prendergast’s cross-field kick, which led to Hansen’s hat-trick.
Mack Hansen – 8
WHAT A RETURN!
Did have his share of mistakes, but his work under the high ball devastated the Aussie the side.
A couple of his finishes were handed to him on a plate, but a hat-trick is a hat-trick.
Replacements:
Rónan Kelleher – 6.5
Andrew Porter – 6.5
Thomas Clarkson – 6
Cian Prendergast – 6
Nick Timoney – 6
Craig Casey – 6
Jack Crowley – 7
