Ireland edge Australia 33-31 in Nations Championship opener

Australia 31-33 Ireland, Sydney

Ireland came through a chaotic Nations Championship opener with a 33-31 win over Australia in Sydney after Thomas Clarkson’s late try and Sam Prendergast’s conversion settled a thrilling contest.

Australia still had one final chance after the hooter, but Ben Donaldson’s long-range penalty from near the right-hand touchline drifted wide.

Andy Farrell’s side were missing several key players and also lost Rob Baloucoune before kick-off, but they found a way to win despite a poor lineout display and long spells of defensive pressure.

Australia Strike Early

Australia made a flying start and punished Ireland for losing an early lineout. Dylan Pietsch finished in the corner in the third minute as the Wallabies cut through down the right.

Ireland responded in the 11th minute when close-range forward carries ended with Cian Prendergast grounding the ball on the try-line. But Australia quickly moved back in front as Jock Campbell, playing his first Test since 2022, crossed after Ireland’s defence was opened up again.

Josh van der Flier then powered over from a strong five-metre Irish attack, although Sam Prendergast missed the conversion. Australia soon regained the lead when Josh Canham dipped over, before Max Jorgensen intercepted Prendergast and released Ryan Lonergan to score.

Carter Gordon’s conversion gave Australia a 24-12 lead. They almost stretched it further when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii broke clear, but Hugo Keenan made a vital tackle.

Ireland Hit Back Before Break

Ireland stayed alive before half-time with a superb long-range attack. Jack Conan kept the move going with an offload, and Jamison Gibson-Park finished between the posts to cut Australia’s lead to 24-19 at the break.

Seven minutes into the second half, Ireland completed the turnaround. Garry Ringrose’s clever hands sent Keenan through for a converted try, putting the visitors ahead.

Australia responded through replacement scrum-half Tate McDermott, who forced his way over to restore a 31-26 lead.

Clarkson Delivers Late Winner

Ireland thought Dan Sheehan had scored from a lineout maul, but the try was ruled out for obstruction by James Ryan. Ryan later knocked on close to the line, and Bundee Aki also spilled a Stuart McCloskey offload as Ireland pushed for a winner.

Donaldson missed a wide penalty inside the final 10 minutes, and Australia were then reduced to 14 men for repeated penalties when Lachlan Shaw was sent to the sin bin.

Ireland finally struck in the 77th minute when Clarkson drove through contact to score. Prendergast converted to give Ireland a two-point lead.

Australia earned one last penalty when Aki was penalised at the breakdown, but Donaldson’s difficult kick from distance missed wide, allowing Ireland to celebrate a dramatic 33-31 victory.