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Ireland have retained their third-place IRB ranking after a tremendous win over Australia.
It caps off a stellar year for the Irish rugby team, having won nine of ten internationals they’ve played this year – in doing so accumulating some pretty big scalps, namely France, South Africa and Australia.
It was a terrific match that was full of action and excitement.
Ireland took a shock lead, gaining 17 points in the first 15 minutes, through great tries by Tommy Bowe (intercepting as only he can, while Australia were attacking the Irish line) and Simon Zebo.
It all looked pretty dire for Australia, but like the famous 2000 game against the All Blacks, Australia were able to respond in kind, scoring three incredible tries, including two for scrum-half Nick Phipps – one, an incredible team effort, covering the length of the field.
Phipps certainly made up for his earlier blunder as it was he that gave the pass that Bowe intercepted. Out-half Bernard Foley also managed to touch down.
The first half finished at 20 points apiece.
While the opening half had comprised some of the best rugby seen anywhere in many a year the pace levelled off in the second as the players succumbed to fatigue but in the crowd the excitement level never dropped off.
Australia took the advantage but were kept out time and again by courageous Irish defence. One of the biggest hits in the game came in the 79th minute, when 35-year old Paul O’Connell put in a shuddering tackle as Australia were attacking the Irish chalk.
The last minutes were difficult to watch for Irish fans, remembering the heart-breaking loss to New Zealand the year before, when the All Blacks took the win in the final minute.
However, this time Ireland were able to hold out for a magnificent, hard-fought victory, 26-23.
It was a terrific performance by Ireland, who showed that they have matured under the direction of Joe Schmidt. Too many times in the past have Ireland given away a strong lead.
This looks like it may usher in a new era for the Irish team. They’ve now become the favourites for the upcoming 6 Nations, due to their recent strong victories over South Africa and Australia (and the recent poor results of the other 6 Nations’ contenders Wales, England and France).
Moreover, the side has been placed third on the World Rugby rankings. The odds on Ireland winning the 2015 World Cup have also risen, to 9/1 odds.
Accordingly, Australia has dropped to fifth in the rankings and their odds to win the World Cup are slightly lower than Ireland’s though, at 8/1. The World Cup final takes place at Twickenham and Australia actually won the last 2 finals that were played in Britain; Twickenham in 1991 and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in 1999.
France and Wales have been given 19/1 odds which is quite poor for France, especially as they have appeared in 2 finals. The favourites are New Zealand and South Africa, as usual.
It was a good performance by Australia, especially their off-loading in the tackle, and some great running, attacking rugby, but another loss after France beat them two weeks ago.
Australia now face England, which will be a tough test for either team. Both sets of players will be looking for a victory which would end what have been pretty dismal seasons on a high(er) note.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.