Ireland v Australia LIVE: Irish end autumn with win over Wallabies

“Relief, and enjoyment too. Quality side, their attack was right up there and a challenge for our team, it was back and forth throughout the game, and delighted with the outcome.

“We spoke at half-time about leaving the first half in the past, and we were much better in the second half.”

Ireland win a penalty at the breakdown and that’s the full-time whistle! They’ve done just enough to end the year with a win against a testing Australian side.

79 min: Australia earn a lineout near the halfway line and this will be their last attack…

78 min: Tadhg Beirne spills the ball carrying into contact, and that was perhaps a bit silly from Ireland, passing the ball so quickly when they just needed to keep hold of it. Australia have a scrum inside their own half…

77 min: The match is paused after Australia’s Tane Edmed gets down low to tackle and takes a blow to the head in the process. That’s unfortunate, and he’s being told to go off for his own safety.

75 min: Australia have been in defensive mode for the past 20 minutes, but now they are taking the game to Ireland in the Irish half, chasing a return score. Yet a fumbled pass gives up the ball and Ireland can eat into the clock now with a scrum.

A telling moment as full-back Tom Wright catches a bouncing ball which was heading off the pitch anyway, and in doing so gives Ireland a lineout near the corner. The hosts take full advantage, setting up a maul and rolling over the line for a try by Gus McCarthy!

Crowley adds the extras from a tight angle.

71 min: They can, and maul their way to the line, but it’s held up! Australia kick clear and Ireland come again.

70 min: Ireland are awarded a penalty about 40 yards from the posts and they elect to kick to the corner. Can they get the lineout right?

68 min: A pause in play while a Wallaby is treated on the floor gives Ireland a chance to have an impromptu teamtalk. They have about 12 minutes to rescue this match.