The Wallabies have been left devastated in Dublin after losing a nail-biter to Ireland 22-19 to end their 2024 campaign.
After taking a 13-5 lead into half-time, Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies weren’t able to hang on as Ireland, with a sold out crowd behind them at Lansdowne Road full of Guinness and celebrating 150 years of Irish rugby, slowly crept their way back into the contest and eventually took the lead thanks to two second-half tries.
The Wallabies had a couple of late opportunities to find a late winner, but couldn’t ice the moment as Ireland held on.
“We had a lot of opportunities there that we didn’t take,” Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson said.
“I thought we played some really good footy against a quality outfit, but that hurts.”
Cian Healy celebrates Ireland’s late win over Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Irish skipper Caelan Doris, who got the home side going in the second half with the first try under the sticks, was naturally jubilant following the hard-fought win.
“There’s relief, but there’s definitely enjoyment too,” said Doris, the favourite to wear the No.8 jersey against the Wallabies in next year’s Lions series in Australia.
“They’re a quality side, Joe Schmidt-coached, they’re always going to be a tough task. Their attack was right up there, it was a challenge for our defence. It was a proper back and forth throughout and I’m delighted with the outcome.”
The three-point win was Ireland’s second straight at the venue, having held on against Dave Rennie’s coached Wallabies in 2022.
