Ireland survived a late scare to beat Australia 33-31 in their Nations Championship opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, after Wallabies flyhalf Ben Donaldson missed a penalty kick with the final play of the match. The result extended Australia's losing run to eight of their last nine Tests, despite scoring five tries in an exhilarating attacking display.
Fast-paced first half sees six tries
Both teams shook off rust quickly, trading tries in the opening quarter. Australia drew first blood when Carter Gordon's long pass found Jock Campbell, who passed to winger Dylan Pietsch for a corner dive. Ireland responded in the 10th minute through Sam Prendergast, who burrowed over from short range, with brother Cian converting for a 7-5 lead.
Gordon then set up Campbell for a try in the right corner after a 1,316-day exile from the national side, but Ireland's Josh van der Flier nudged the paint to keep the visitors close. Down 10-12, Australia regained momentum when Rob Valetini split Ireland's defence and set up Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's tip pass to Pietsch, with Josh Canham finishing. Max Jorgensen then forced an error and set up Ryan Lonergan to dot down, making it 24-12 after six tries in 30 minutes.
Ireland fight back before halftime
Australia continued to dazzle with attack and rattle Ireland with defence. Canham stole a lineout and sent Suaalii galloping for the line, but Ireland hauled him down a metre short. On the halftime siren, Jamison Gibson-Park finished a classy counterattack to make it 24-19 at the break.
Ireland stole back the lead seven minutes into the second half. After spurning three points to chase five, they tapped and ran, with Garry Ringrose's hands finding Hugo Keenan on the angle. Keenan burst through Suaalii to score, making it 24-26. Australia responded through Tate McDermott, who had come on early when Lonergan went off concussed, with Gordon's conversion giving a five-point buffer.
Controversial try overturn and late drama
Ireland's fresh legs seemed to win back the initiative in the 56th minute when Dan Sheehan barrelled over. However, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson called for a review, claiming obstruction, and the try was overturned. The game's breakneck speed led to fumbles, fouls, and poor discipline. Donaldson botched a penalty kick with 10 minutes to go.
With a stadium record crowd of 41,971 on edge, Ireland pushed into Australia's red zone and rolled their maul forward. Debutant Lachlan Shaw copped a yellow card, and Thomas Clarkson crashed over to make it 33-31 in favour of Ireland. But with the full-time siren, Ireland erred at the ruck, gifting a final penalty shot to Donaldson from 40 metres. His kick sailed wide, and Australia's shot at a winning start vanished.
