The Wallabies started their Test season with a heartbreaking 33-31 defeat to Ireland in a game that they know they really should have won.
Wallabies five-eighth Ben Donaldson had an opportunity to win the game after the siren, but the kick missed and Ireland held on for victory.
Let’s take a look at how the players rated during the Wallabies Test opener in Sydney.
Angus Bell 8
Despite coming back from a gruelling six months with Ulster, Angus Bell was full of energy, making 12 tackles and playing his part in a solid Wallabies scrum. Made a brilliant steal at the ruck after six minutes. A key part of the Wallabies best work.
Josh Nasser 6.5
There was some surprise at the Reds hooker getting the start against Ireland, but he didn’t let anyone down and was at the heart of a vastly improved Wallabies lineout that finished with 92% success.
Allan Alaalatoa 7.5
Was outstanding in defence, putting in huge aggressive shots on the Ireland attack that looked stunned. One of the Brumbies’ tighthead’s best Tests in a long time. The Wallabies’ second-highest tackler with 13.
Jeremy Williams 6
Was an outstanding part of the Wallabies lineout, providing great leadership at the set piece, but also was costly with his penalty count, conceding three for the night.
Josh Canham 8
An outstanding performance from the Melbourne product who caused havoc on the Irish lineout throw.
Canham also applied pressure on the Irish kicking with his size. It was hard to believe it was only Canham’s third Test cap.
Rob Valetini 7.5
It is hard to align the unfailingly polite and softly spoken Valetini with the wrecking ball that takes to the field for the Wallabies. The breakaway is fit again and the Irish defence will be battered and bruised trying to hold him. Carried the ball 34 metres and managed to beat six defenders.
Fraser McReight 6.5
Given his exceptionally high standards, this was not a vintage McReight performance. Was unable to slow the Irish ball down at the ruck and conceded two penalties.
Harry Wilson 7
The captain did well to persuade referee Ben O’Keeffe to take a second look at Ireland’s Dan Sheehan’s ultimately disallowed try, using his debating skills to get the officials to see a clear obstruction from James Ryan. He might wonder whether he should have kicked for the corner rather than letting Ben Donaldson kick the penalty, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. Topped the tackle count with 21 on the night.
Ryan Lonergan 7
Played very well in his first Test start, with smooth service and scored a try. Had to leave the field due to injury just 33 minutes into the game and had so much more to give the Wallabies.
Carter Gordon 7
A mixed bag from Gordon, who can look shaky kicking out of hand and still isn’t fully comfortable from the kicking tee. Missed two conversions, but adds so much with his running game and ability to see space. Left the field hobbling after 57 minutes and would be a significant loss against France in Brisbane.
Dylan Pietsch 7
Physical and strong under the high ball. Pietsch has battled injuries and now looks every inch the Test starter for the Wallabies. Was rewarded with the first try in the game for the Wallabies and is always looking for work.
Len Ikitau 7
The world-class centre has picked up where he left off for the Wallabies and acts as the link man for his side’s best attacking work. Suaalii is a far better player when he works with Ikitau.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 7
A bit of a mix for Suaalii who saw far more ball than he was used to after a tough season at the Waratahs. Carried for 48 metres and made a great break just before half-time and will be disappointed not to have scored.
Also won a crucial penalty by outmuscling the Irish at the ruck and showing his rugby smarts. On the negative side of the ledger, he threw the ball away wildly at times.
Max Jorgensen 7.5
Managed to beat six defenders and was constantly dangerous for the Wallabies, helping to set up Jock Campbell’s try after reading Sam Prendergast’s pass perfectly and racing down the field to set up the fullback.
Jock Campbell 7.5
Campbell’s break between Test matches was 1316 days and was rewarded with a try. Campbell also did exceptionally well to take Carter Gordon’s errant pass off his bootlaces to set up Dylan Pietsch for his first try. Was a lot quieter in the second half.
Reserves
Brandon Paenga-Amosa 6.5
Was a key part of the Wallabies bomb squad and added huge physicality as ever with his carrying and at the scrum.
James Slipper 6
A welcome return for the veteran who didn’t let anyone down on his return from his retirement.
Taniela Tupou 6.5
Won a scrum penalty and Ireland’s Tom O’Toole will be glad to see the back of Tupou after their clashes in the scrum
Lachlan Shaw 5.5
A Test debut and sadly one to forget after a costly yellow card for offside when the Wallabies were hanging on desperately.
Tom Hooper 6
Fresh from a strong season at Exeter, one of the Wallabies’ best last season, he will want more than 12 minutes next week against France.
Tate McDermott 7
Came on far earlier than he expected and scored a trademark sniping try. His service was slightly less smooth than Lonergan’s before and the Wallabies’ attack lost a gear.
Ben Donaldson 6
Will be disappointed with his penalty miss, but he had the guts to step up and take it. Will be better for this performance.
Tom Wright N/A
Only on the field for three minutes.
