Ireland survive injuries, come back to edge Australia 27-24

ByReuters

Updated 26/11/2016 at 22:03 GMT

Ireland claimed a third southern hemisphere scalp in six months on Saturday by surviving a slew of injuries and an improbable comeback to hand Australia their only November tour defeat in a thrilling 27-24 victory.

Ireland's Iain Henderson celebrates scoring their first try with Simon Zebo and Conor Murray

Image credit: Reuters

Following up wins over South Africa and New Zealand, Ireland stormed out of the blocks with tries from Iain Henderson and Garry Ringrose just reward for total dominance before a fine Dane Haylett-Petty try handed Australia a lifeline at the break.

The visitors took advantage of injuries that forced Ireland to field their replacement scrumhalf and flyhalf at fullback and wing to take the lead before the hour when Tevita Kuridrani and Sefanaia Naivalu cut apart an Irish defence in tatters.

Yet Ireland somehow dragged themselves back into the game to retake the lead with a converted Keith Earls try and their rejuvenated defence hung on for the final 15 minutes to record a famous, wild victory.

Guinness Women's Six Nations

Packer returns as Red Roses prepare to face Ireland in Women's Six Nations

3 hours ago

Investec Champions Cup

Three England stars nominated for Investec Champions Cup award

4 hours ago

Premiership

'Life goes on' - Pepper to leave Newcastle to join Gallagher Premiership rivals Bath

7 hours ago

Guinness Women's Six Nations

England's Cokayne banned for Six Nations clash with Ireland at Twickenham

Yesterday at 17:41

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me