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Monday November 16 2009
Superb try-saving tackle on Matt Giteau stemmed the yellow tide at a crucial juncture. Kicking game was a tad mixed but was excellent underneath the high ball. Poor effort to prevent Rocky's try.
Ireland struggled to create off a limited platform until much later in the game but when they did, the Monaghan man continued the devastating impact he made from out to in on the summer Lions tour.
Despite a sublime early pass to Fitzgerald and his ankle tap on Elsom, the crowd were still waiting for the big moment to arrive for their captain. Sadly for the visitors, they weren't ready when he eventually struck.
Fully justified his inclusion on form and was a pivotal influence when Ireland spread the ball wide, his keen eye for the offload and general distribution being first-class. A pervasive influence on the game.
Struggled to make an impact as Australia smothered the game and dominated possession for much of the first hour; left with a worrying knee injury but not until he had made a few trademark bursts.
One of the biggest Tests in a career littered with big moments and, given the inordinate amount of pressure, management can be vindicated in persisting with the out-half. Overcame a shaky start.
Once more displayed his varied ability throughout yet still capable of the odd brain freeze and he had four particular moments to forget in the first-half. Sublime pass for equalising try overshadowed all.
The birth of a future Irish legend, although he may not wow his grandchildren with tales of scrummaging authority. Whether it was the stunning chargedown or that run which created the first try. A memorable day.
Lost two crucial lineouts at a stage when Ireland were starved of first-phase ball; made a poor decision to go into contact in his red zone in the first-half. That he lasted the pace was astonishing.
It must say more about reserve Tom Court than Hayes that the giant prop, destroyed in the scrums, lasted the full 80 minutes given that at times he was barely able to raise the energy to breathe.
A relatively modest outing for the Munster lock, although was part of the heavy machinery which belatedly countered the retreating trend on the floor. Two poor missed tackles though.
Dominated Ireland's lineout and thieved one of the crumbling Aussie effort. In the first half, demonstrated a handling ability which is usually foreign to him, another sign, perhaps, of Ireland's expansive intent.
Predictably forceful but lacking the ferocious impact which may not arrive until we approach Six Nations time after Christmas. Almost got in trouble for upending Palu; never took a retreating step.
Quiet at first until the game opened up and he punctured several holes in the Australian rearguard to maintain the flow of some of Ireland's attacking moves. Superb tackling and crucial yards for the equalising try.
Outplayed by his rangy opposite number and struggled to make the type of impact Ireland would have expected, especially as Ireland struggled in the close quarters. Controlled crucial final scrum.
Replacement:
Keith Earls for Fitzgerald (54)
Made a couple of typically brash interventions into the line as Ireland sought the crucial levelling score while the clock wore down; was the appropriate replacement at the right time to maintain the lightning speed of Ireland's attacking gambits.
manager:
Keen to kick this Irish team on to another level, Kidney also had to balance a fine line between maintaining the emphasis on experience. He did this by risking no significant replacements and was rewarded when the final scrum locked down to provide the equalising score.
Irish Independent
