Player Ratings: Just better with Pocock
OPINION: Australia record an impressive 18-9 win over Grand Slam champions Ireland at the Suncorp Stadium.
It was a late match-clinching try by Wallabies talisman David Pocock in the 72nd minute which handed Ireland the defeat.
The result ended Ireland’s 12-match winning streak and stretched Australia’s winning streak over Ireland to 11 matches.
Rugbypass writer Ben Smith rates the Australian players
15 Israel Folau
Couldn’t find a way into the Wallabies attack as the barrage of cross-field kicks failed to find the mark. Was used in different ways offset piece, often as a first receiver to provide distribution duties. He came up with two big plays as the last cover man, forcing Earls and Stockdale into kicking on both flanks after Ireland had found the wings in space. Earls was charged down by Folau and Stockdale’s kick went over the touchline. He gave away a penalty at the ruck with an illegal cleanout just as Australia were building something, wasting a great opportunity in attack. Looked to have scored while roaming on the right wing but had the try called back.
6/10
14 Dane Haylett-Petty
Didn’t do a lot but what he did do was spectacular. Diffused a number of tricky box kicks from Conor Murray and made one of the plays that swung the match. With Ireland’s CJ Stander in the clear to score a certain try, Haylett-Petty made a miraculous try-saving tackle. Pocock won a ruck penalty moments later to relieve the pressure.
7/10
13 Samu Kerevi
Had limited space to work with but got through 10 carries, often crashing into multiple defenders. He spent some time out on the left wing and had a couple of half-breaks but overall a quiet night. He dropped a sure try running a wide line off Genia from five out.
6/10
12 Kurtley Beale
A standout who was dangerous every time he touched the ball, he created a couple of breaks and ran most of the Wallabies wide attack. Brought some physicality to the game with some effective rush defence. Was instrumental in creating a 3-on-2 which led to Folau’s disallowed try. He tried the cross-kick regularly with little success but connected with Folau on a midfield bomb and had one chip kick regathered by Haylett-Petty. Gave Australia a diverse attack and was one of the best players on the field.
9/10
11 Marika Koroibete
Saw a few early touches and was largely redundant for 60 minutes. Had limited opportunities on the edge as at times he played slightly in-field. Was tested in defence and missed three tackles but came up with a couple of turnovers.
5/10
10 Bernard Foley
Had some nice touches which led to breaks for the Wallabies. Deferred to Beale a lot as is the case in Cheika’s system. Scored a try from close range after having a hand in the lead up work in the first half but gave away three points to Ireland for being inexcusably offside. Kicked out on the full from his own 40 trying to cross-kick for Dane Haylett-Petty and knocked on once. Was on target (for the most part) with the boot making for a mixed night.
5/10
9 Will Genia
Had an influential game in attack making two try assists. His long box kicks and exit kicks got Australia out of bad field position but often were too long to contest. He took over late in the match and began to work over defenders around the ruck, creating a number of opportunities that were dropped by teammates. Made a smart box kick downfield after Folau fielded a midfield bomb. The ensuing cover defence trapped Stockdale on his own five for a penalty which led to the game-winning try which he also set up.
8/10
8 Caleb Timu
Put the work in around the ruck channels on defence making 12 tackles. Had limited ball-carrying opportunities only running the ball twice. Was subbed early in the second half for an HIA assessment.
6/10
7 Michael Hooper
Made some great reads in defence to pressure Ireland’s wrap-around and backdoor plays. Pushed the boundaries and was penalised for a few infringements which luckily only cost 3 points after Carbery missed one of them. Was everywhere in defence lodging 18 tackles in a huge effort and came up with a crucial strip steal that earnt a penalty after being neck-rolled. Covered a lot of the contact work to free Pocock to contest the ball.
7/10
6 David Pocock
Was absolutely immense at the breakdown and in defence. Contested the ruck all night and disrupted Irish ball as well as taking crucial turnovers. Won four overall including two when Ireland were hot on attack inside the 22. Scored the match-winning try running a line off Will Genia from five out to cap off a tremendous performance. Best on field.
9/10
5 Adam Coleman
Got through a mountain of work on defence making 14 tackles, including a few big shots. He was reliable at set-piece time in the lineout. His performance was spoiled by a few mental errors, giving away silly penalties and costing Australia a try by taking out an Irish player off the ball.
6/10
4 Izack Rodda
Gave a way a lineout penalty for obstructing the jumper but otherwise had a solid outing making seven tackles and taken on a number of ruck cleanouts. Was a lineout option and was often used to set up the driving maul.
6/10
3 Sekope Kepu
Didn’t have much impact in attack with two carries for zero metres but got through nine tackles and provided some bite in defence while winning one turnover.
6/10
2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa
Only had two bad throws, which led to turnovers but at international level that can cost you. Had five carries in tough short-gain situations. Was replaced in the 55th minute as part of a whole front row substitution package. Will only improve with experience.
5/10
1 Scott Sio
Completed the job at scrum time, keeping the Wallabies front-row steady and making 10 tackles. Took five carries in an unassuming performance.
6/10
