Australia 31–33 Ireland: match report & highlights

Full-time: Australia 31 – 33 Ireland

Ireland snatched a thrilling 33-31 victory over Australia in a Nations Championship classic that swung dramatically in the final quarter. The Wallabies dominated the first half, racing into a commanding lead through tries from Dylan Pietsch, Jock Campbell, and Josh Canham, but Ireland clawed their way back with Josh van der Flier crossing before the interval. The momentum continued to ebb and flow after the restart, with Hugo Keenan and Jamison Gibson-Park adding crucial tries to drag Ireland level at 24-24.

Australia struck back through Tate McDermott to edge ahead, but Ireland refused to surrender. Thomas Clarkson's try in the 77th minute proved decisive, and when Sam Prendergast added the conversion moments later, it proved the difference. It was a rollicking encounter that showcased the attacking prowess of both sides, with Australia's early dominance ultimately undone by Ireland's resilience and accuracy in the closing stages.

Key moments

• 78' 78' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — Australia 31 – 33 Ireland
• 77' 77' Try: Thomas Clarkson (Ireland) — Australia 31 – 31 Ireland
• 54' 54' Conversion: Carter Gordon (Australia) — Australia 31 – 26 Ireland
• 53' 53' Try: Tate McDermott (Australia) — Australia 29 – 26 Ireland
• 48' 48' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — Australia 24 – 26 Ireland
• 47' 47' Try: Hugo Keenan (Ireland) — Australia 24 – 24 Ireland
• 42' 42' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — Australia 24 – 19 Ireland
• 42' 42' Try: Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) — Australia 24 – 17 Ireland
• 28' 28' Conversion: Carter Gordon (Australia) — Australia 24 – 12 Ireland
• 27' 27' Try: Ryan Lonergan (Australia) — Australia 22 – 12 Ireland
• 25' 25' Conversion: Carter Gordon (Australia) — Australia 17 – 12 Ireland
• 24' 24' Try: Josh Canham (Australia) — Australia 15 – 12 Ireland
• 19' 19' Try: Josh van der Flier (Ireland) — Australia 10 – 12 Ireland
• 14' 14' Try: Jock Campbell (Australia) — Australia 10 – 7 Ireland
• 11' 11' Conversion: Sam Prendergast (Ireland) — Australia 5 – 7 Ireland
• 10' 10' Try: Cian Prendergast (Ireland) — Australia 5 – 5 Ireland
• 3' 3' Try: Dylan Pietsch (Australia) — Australia 5 – 0 Ireland

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