It's a series decider: Ireland defeat Australia to level Test series

AUSTRALIA 21 IRELAND 26
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Jun 2018, 13:54 BST
Updated 19th Jun 2018, 16:53 BST
Andrew Conway scores for Ireland against AustraliaAndrew Conway scores for Ireland against Australia
Andrew Conway scores for Ireland against Australia

Ireland have set up a Test Series decider against Australia next weekend after they held out to deservedly win a thrilling encounter in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Irish looked to be heading to a comfortable victory, but the Wallabies rallied in the last few minutes after the visitors went down to 14 men.

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But the Irish dug in and held their lines to level the series and set up what should be a massive Series decider in Sydney next weekend.

Ireland were left stunned in the first two minutes when the Wallabies took a 7-0 lead, Kurtley Beale with a try converted by Bernard Foley.

The Irish response was prompt and within four minutes Australia's winger Marika Koroibete was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Ireland fullback Rob Kearney.

Andrew Conway then crossed for a try which Sexton converted to level the scores, although the winger was forced off with an injury.

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Penalties from Sexton on 12, 16 and 21 minutes extended the Irish lead to 16-7.

The incident involving Rob Kearney which results in a yellow card for Marika KoroibeteThe incident involving Rob Kearney which results in a yellow card for Marika Koroibete
The incident involving Rob Kearney which results in a yellow card for Marika Koroibete

But on the 26th minute, Australia got a sniff from a driving maul after a lineout and Cian Healy was deemed to have pulled it down deliberately, he received a yellow card and the hosts a penalty try to bring them back to within two points.

Sexton fluffed a long range penalty kick on 29 minutes leaving his side leading 16-14 at the break.

Ten minutes into the second half Ireland thought they had a score when Jack McGrath stretched out for the line, but that was scratched due to double movement.

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The advantage was still with the greens for an earlier penalty infringement by the Aussies, Keith Earls score was harshly not allowed by the TMO.

Tadhg Furlong goes over for a try for IrelandTadhg Furlong goes over for a try for Ireland
Tadhg Furlong goes over for a try for Ireland

But there was nothing anyone could do to deny Tadgh Furlong a try on 54 minutes, Sexton converting to give Ireland a nine-point advantage.

Four minutes from the end Irish replacement McGrath was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on and the Wallabies had crossed for a try through Taniela Tupou on 77 minutes. Foley converted and there were five points in the game.

But the Irish dug in and deservedly held on to the win 26-21 - their first win on Aussie soil since June 16, 1977.

Related topics:IrelandAustralia