David Pocock has shown his immense worth to Australian rugby with a heroic Wallabies return at Suncorp Stadium to help end a 15-month Irish unbeaten streak.
Influential in attack and defence, Pocock was the undoubted star for the Australians who upset the Six Nations champions 18-9 on Saturday night in front of 46,273 fans.
More Wallabies
» Nine talking points from Wallabies vs Ireland
» LORD: Pocock blinder wins it for Wallabies
» VOTE: DIY play ratings
» Re-live the match with our live blog
The Wallabies were outstanding in defence, as the Irish dominated possession and territory, but could not cross the line to boost their string of 12-straight wins.
Australia scored the only two tries of what was tough and torrid first Test, but should have had a third when cruelly denied amid huge controversy.
Down 9-8 in the 60th minute, the Suncorp Stadium crowd were in raptures when Israel Folau finished a scintillating movement started by a rib-rattling Samu Kerevi hit that forced a midfield turnover.
But their celebrations were short-lived as South African referee Marius Van Der Westhuizen overturned the try due to a meaningless backplay incident in which lock Adam Coleman tackled decoy James Ryan, who was Ireland’s best on the night.
Fans from both nations were bewildered by the decision and former Wallabies captain and commentator Phil Kearns voiced the opinion of many by exclaiming “this referee has lost the plot”.
But the Wallabies were able to maintain their composure and their scrum – led by the front-row reserves – forced a key penalty near the line for Bernard Foley to kick Australia to an 11-9 lead.
With Folau leaping high and Will Genia kicking truly in two big plays that forced another penalty, Pocock barged over to reward the call for a quick tap with eight minutes left.
The flanker, who last played Test rugby 18 months ago before enjoying a sabbatical, consistently relieved pressure for the home side with turnovers and ruck penalties as the Irish racked up countless phases.
The first half was littered by an array of bone-rattling hits on the tourists, particularly halfback Conor Murray who battled throughout after he was ironed out early by Marika Koroibete and Kurtley Beale.
Coleman was immense in the collision zone while Beale looked dangerous in attack, although he and his teammates too often kicked it away.
Australia’s lineout struggled with debutant hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa losing three throws.
But the Six Nations champions went to halftime trailing for the first time this year after Foley started and finished a brilliant backline try in the 35th minute for an 8-6 lead.
With Rob Henshaw rushing out of the defensive line, Foley’s quick hands put Dane Haylett-Petty and Kerevi in space and Genia was able to shovel it out quickly for the flyhalf to score in the corner.
No.8 CJ Stander should have put Ireland back in the lead just after the break when put into the clear by Ryan but he was run down and held up by Koroibete and Haylett-Petty.
Dublin Dave
Guest
Marmion's "try" in the last move of the game was disallowed for something the TMO saw on one of his machines but for some reason the TV producer didn't have access to it because we didn't get to see it.
Dublin Dave
Guest
Ugly is good! Not too many pretty boys on a rugby team :)
jameswm
Roar Guru
Every scrum, 2-3 Irish injured needing attention. NOt sure what the ref can do though.
Jacko
Guest
I can't help thinking that the Irish underestimated the potency of the Wallabies by not having their strongest side on the field that they had to revert to fat boy rugby. How many times did their players feign injury in order to slow the game down. They are not in the same league fitness wise across the board suffice to say that they are a very skilful side. The Irish have tried to dismiss Southern Hemisphere super rugby as being inferior to test rugby which is not quite true. Sure it is different but it is faster and northern hemisphere sides will never be as fit and fast without following the different rugby formats adopted by their southern counterparts.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
I am still not sold on him as the answer. I think Alalottaa (spelling) should be bought up to speed. Robinson looked very uncomfortable in the scrum when packed and possibly against a better prop he would have got done over.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
No Corne - we would still have you!! Ha! Ha! Boredom shattered!!
double agent
Guest
Irish 30%?? Get on a train in Sydney and point out the Irish heritage passengers.* * Passengers are not passengers anymore they're "Customers". Pass me the sick bag.
double agent
Guest
Placing the ball on DHP's knee is not grounding the ball.
double agent
Guest
Not sure it is faster. It's definitely more horrible.
double agent
Guest
Impressive article Dublin Dave till you mentioned drop goals. I put on my tin foil hat then.
double agent
Guest
I confess straight up - I've had a few beers. Struggling to remember Ireland being robbed of a try. Surely you don't mean CJ Stander?? Clearly held up.
You will be bored out of your skull, imagine a bunch of Aussies regurgitating the same stuff every day ?
Dublin Dave
Guest
Well Johnny Boy, I suppose you're right in a sense. Chicago IS in the Northern Hemisphere, I suppose :)
double agent
Guest
PK is right.
double agent
Guest
I have Fantasies of there being a Kiwi Roar so kiwi posters can post in Kiwi land and leave us alone.
Pickett
Guest
@Paulo Never seen that happen in League. Ref might ask tmo for review before he gives the try, but once he points to the ground and blows the whistle, thats it. Try is irreversible. Quite the opposite in union which creates a farcical situation.
soapit
Roar Guru
think youve got your wires crossed in league there. dont spose youve got a link to your example?
PeterK
Roar Guru
On reconsideration Beale is banged up , and DHP injury prone I would go 5:3 and drop Samu. I would NOT bring in Hanigan, Tui deserves to keep the 6/lock spot. I would consider Alaalatoa and Arnold but not bring them in. In keeping morale and faith outside of a 5:3 change I would reward the team for its efforts and not make any other changes
PeterK
Roar Guru
according to census, of course there will be a lot who don't know or list some other ethnicity as what they are descended from. So 10% would be a minimum IMO.
KCOL
Guest
Yes Blinky. Irish fans are the classiest in the world. Notably refreshing is that not one Irish poster here has been negative about the victors or the ref. Well played Paddy.