A Mack Hansen hat-trick and a strong final quarter has delivered Ireland a classy 46-19 win over the Wallabies.
The former Brumby had a hat-trick inside the first 30 minutes before the Wallabies fought back.
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The visitors reduced the margin to five before the break as tries to Len Ikitau and Fraser McReight kept them in the game.
However, the kicking game of Ireland proved pivotal as they kicked clear towards the end of the game, blowing out the scoreline.
A week after Monty Ioane and Louis Lynagh sunk the Aussies, it was Hansen’s turn to score against his native side as the fullback stung the Wallabies with a first half hat-trick.
He crossed in the fourth minute after a quick tap from the excellent Jamison Gibson-Park got them on the attack, crossing untouched.
It was a similar scenario five minutes later when Sam Prendergast’s booming kick forced a mistake from Max Jorgensen, allowing Hansen to slice through.
John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau’s impact was instant as the centre sparked the Australian attack. The Wallabies stayed patient and crossed through the midfielder to hit straight back.
But Hansen completed the hat-trick in the 28th minute after a cross-field kick to Tommy O’Brien spat out perfectly for the fullback to capitalise.
Australia refused to drop their heads, and their pressure inside the Irish 22 eventually paid off seconds before half-time as Fraser McReight reduced the margin to 19-14.
The second half turned into a dog fight as the conditions really took their toll.
The visitors struggled to control the high ball and Ireland took advantage, first slotting the drop goal through Prendergast.
They nearly crossed through Tommy O’Brien, brought back for a knock-on in the build-up
A further penalty to Jack Crowley extended the lead to 11 heading into the final quarter as the Irish rained down the kick pressure.
The Wallabies had their chances but a faulty lineout close to the line was a repeated issue, losing several throughout the contest.
It allows Caelen Doris to seal the win with ten minutes to go, diving over from close, with a Nick Frost yellow card for a high shot in the build up only hurting Australia further.
Billy Pollard’s late try gave hope, however, late tries to Ryan Baird and Robbie Henshaw shut the door and sealed the win.
Ireland 46 (Tries: Hansen 3, Doris, Baird, Henshaw; Cons: Prendergast 2, Crowley 3, Pens: Crowley; Drop Goal: Prendergast) def Wallabies 19 (Tries: Ikitau, McReight, Pollard; Cons: O'Connor 2)
