Ireland have taken down a brave Wallabies 22-19 in Dublin, spoiling Joe Schmidt’s return to Aviva Stadium.
The hosts dominated territory but it was the Australians who led for the majority of the game.
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Australia’s defence was excellent in holding Ireland out on countless occasions despite Andy Farrell’s side enjoying close to 70% territory.
The Wallabies had an eight-point lead at the break as the likes of Andrew Kellaway and Fraser McReight were excellent in repelling the hosts.
However, Ireland eventually broke the spirited Wallabies defence in the 72nd minute via Gus McCarthy and the rolling maul.
It was a special night for Ireland as they celebrated 150 years, whilst prop Cian Healy broke the Irish all-time cap record.
"I think the mountain of possession and territory they had (was the difference), but the grit that our boys showed was really impressive," Schmidt said post-match.
"I felt that we got off the line, defended for long phases and were perhaps a little bit unlucky a few times on the ball I just admired the way they worked so hard.
"...We did test him a few other times, either through the middle with the forwards and also on the edges with the back so there was enough in there that we can feel that we're probably tracking in the right direction. They're the number two-ranked side in the world and we made them work hard."
The Wallabies were forced to dig deep from the opening minute as a lovely try-saving tackle from Kellaway stopped Ireland early.
Their strong defensive start was rewarded with first points through Noah Lolesio’s boot before the attack kicked into gear for the opening try.
It started with a sharp lineout move which saw Jake Gordon put up a monster bomb that Joseph-Aukuo Suaalii retrieved. From here, the visitors shifted to both edges, with Max Jorgensen finishing off in the corner for a 10-0 lead.
This sparked Ireland into life as they punished a mistake from the kickoff, allowing 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year flanker Josh van der Flier to barnstorm his way over the line.
Ireland was dominating territory but the Australian forward pack kept punishing Ireland off the counter-attack, with Harry Wilson and Taniela Tupou bursting into space.
It allowed Lolesio to add another three to the margin at the break as they entered with a 13-5 lead.
The Irish began their comeback after the break through Sam Prendergast’s penalty as their immense pressure started to mount.
They hit the front just before the 50-minute mark after captain Caelan Doris crashed over under the posts.
Lolesio’s third penalty of the night restored the Wallabies' lead before a thumping kick from close to halfway gave the Aussies a four-point lead.
Ireland’s attack was relentless as the Wallabies put everything into holding on.
Excellent work from Kellaway and McReight held up the Irish with ten minutes to go, who had a packed crowd spurring them on.
In the end, Ireland cracked through via the rolling maul as McCarthy touched down for the winner.
Australia had multiple chances with under five minutes to go, only for Ireland to force the mistake time and time again to come away with victory.
Ireland 22 (Tries: van der Flier, Doris, McCarthy; Cons: Prendergast 1/2, Crowley 1/1; Pens: Prendergast 1/1) def Wallabies 19 (Tries: Jorgensen; Cons: Lolesio 1/1; Pens: Lolesio 4/4)
