Sexton and pack lead Ireland to win over Australia

ByReuters

Published 16/06/2018 at 12:05 GMT

MELBOURNE, June 16 (Reuters) - Flyhalf Johnny Sexton and a fired-up pack sparked Ireland to a clinical 26-21 victory over Australia in their second test in Melbourne on Saturday and kept alive their chances of winning the three-test series in Sydney next week.

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Sexton combined with scrumhalf Conor Murray to run their attack and slotted 16 points with the boot as Ireland won their first test in Australia since 1979.

Winger Andrew Conway and tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong also crossed for the visitors, who were beaten 18-9 last week in the first test in Brisbane.

The home side were rarely in the match as Joe Schmidt's team controlled the ball and dominated territory but still scored three tries to Kurtley Beale in the second minute, Taniela Tupou in the 78th and a first-half penalty try.

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