OPINION: Michael Cheika’s Australia side went down to the touring Ireland in heartbreaking fashion last night. Here’s how the players fared individually.
Outshone by Kepu in the loose. Both were solid at scrum time.
His lineout functioned reasonably. Didn’t get as much ball in hand as he would have liked. Replaced at halftime.
Offered himself a lot more for the ball, Perhaps feeling the pressure from Tupou. Very solid at scrum time.
Izack Rodda – 6
A good lineout foil to Coleman, still needs to impose himself more on games.
Adam Coleman – 6
Great early lineout steal, lucky not to concede a penalty try in the first half. Strong with ball in hand. Silly penalty given away led to Irish try
Lukhan Tui – 7
Is a powerful ball runner, did very well on his first International start. Looks like he could strike up a great partnership with Hooper and Pocock.
Michael Hooper – 6
Picked up an injury in the 15th minute.
David Pocock – 8
What a player, 2 early steals early on set the tone. Was a constant thorn in Ireland’s side at the breakdown.
Nick Phipps – 6
Genia was missed, his passing isn’t as good and the control isn’t there.
Bernard Foley – 7
Kept the team ticking over. Superb vision for Koroibete’s try but his penalty miss may have been crucial.
Marika Koroibete – 7
Defended superbly as usual. Took his try very well, had a lot to do but finished well.
Kurtley Beale – 6
Looked bright early on and his kicking game was good, didn’t trouble the Irish defence as much as he has done.
Samu Kerevi – 6
One great break in the second half but needs to get himself more involved in the game.
Dane Haylett-Petty – 7
Steady as always without being spectacular. Never puts a foot wrong.
Israel Folau – 6
Imperious under the high ball, unlucky to receive a yellow card but was shackled well by the Irish defence.
Key reserves:
Pete Samu (on in 16th min) – 6
Different player to Hooper and not as influential as Tui. Will be a useful squad member.
Tolu Latu – 7
Scrum really improved when he came on. Was dynamic with ball in hand and very powerful in defence. His best outing in a Gold shirt, copy book was blotted though by the late penalty given away which sealed the game for Ireland.
By Robert Seltzer, RugbyPass