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.
Phil O'Donovan
Guest
The reason why the "Paddy's " ( personally I prefer to call them Irish),do not have enough Samoans in their mix is that they prefer to have a team of Irishman.As old fashion a concept as it may seem.
Ken Stewart
Guest
I have been thinking Ireland will do well in the world cup for a couple of years now. If they top their pool I believe they will make it to the final, and a great chance to win it. Ireland to me have always had tough forwards but quite often lacking a good game plan. We shall see next year anyway.
brisvegas
Guest
Well done Ireland and Well Done over Australia
Daddy Day Care
Guest
Ireland doing well is not a surprise for some.. Article in The Times, picked up by The Australian today. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/rugbyunion/article4279488.ece
AdamS
Roar Guru
No, we play 3 years of test matches to test ourselves and then once every 4 years play a silly group knockout tournament where a team that wins three matches against arbitrary opponents gets to call itself "World Champion"
The Twins
Roar Rookie
hey the fat lady hasnt stopped singing yet....they could go lower ...
DECLAN MURPHY
Roar Guru
The Australian team have answered the allegations that they caused damage to their changing room in the Aviva Stadium after their loss to Ireland due to their being miffed at the loss. It wasn't that. Apparently, one of their back-room staff accidentally opened the door the wrong way! Not sure if I believe this http://www.newstalk.com/Australian-rugby-team-release-statement-about-damage-to-Aviva-changing-room
Play the Game
Guest
Ok, you have a point.
Brilliant mate
Derm
Roar Guru
Just published today on you Tube, a nice little time-lapse video of an Aviva Day in Dublin with the Ireland V Aus match. Lovely bit of filming. Not one for the video analysts though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK9v6qzsssc
Kane
Guest
We'll just borrow Shaun Johnston ;)
Squirrel
Guest
I'd put money on Ireland and Boks
ABOOS.
Guest
Well rankings matter to teams player and coaches.
Common Sense
Guest
Could've been a glass door, Chieka doesn't like those.
Sorted
Guest
Aussies Improving. Are you sure?
Sorted
Guest
I think 5th place is well deserved too
Magic Sponge
Guest
We should buy Inglis and we would win easily.
The Twins
Roar Rookie
obviously you dont but many many others seek them to see how their team is doing - is your 'who cares' symptomatic of someone whose team is not PERFORMING and you dont want to be EMBARRASSED?????
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Nice summary Declan. "The favourites are New Zealand and South Africa, as usual." Not sure you were talking odds there but most bookies still have England as n2 favorites just ahead of SA (on avge $4 and $4.5 respectively). Perso, I quite like Oz odds at $9 and France at $18. Both are clearly outside chances at this stage but are also the kind of 'perennial outsiders' (almost bolters in the case of france) who can transcend at rwc. I know I'll put a few bucks on both (and probably lose but that's not the point! Too good odds to pass).
DanFan
Guest
Ireland were certainly struggling to cope with the WBs open-play attack in the first half. To their credit, they changed things up in the second but there game is rather limited, based on that performance. Equally, the WBs were only really effective when things were pretty loose. They didn't really have any answers to a more structured style and didn't really offer too much of a pattern of play themselves. I thought Ireland played much better last year against the ABs.