Australia ‘s Ben Donaldson missed a potentially match-winning penalty with the final kick as Ireland clung on for a thrilling Nations Championship victory.
Replacement fly half Donaldson had a shot to win the game with the clock dead in Sydney, but could not find the target with a tough strike from wide on the right as the tourists secured a 33-31 win. A helter-skelter, back-and-forth encounter had looked likely to end under such circumstances after being played at breathless paces, with Thomas Clarkson’s try ultimately crucial for Andy Farrell’s side.
There was plenty of optimism to take for the Wallabies, though, having been thrashed in the pair’s last meeting in Dublin in November. Joe Schmidt’s men showcased some superb rugby to rock Ireland as they surged into a 26-12 lead, only to be pegged back to set up a grandstand finish as rugby’s new competition continues to deliver on its opening weekend.
Follow all of the latest from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
Australia vs Ireland LIVE
- Ireland hold on to pip Australia in Nations Championship thriller
- Ben Donaldson misses chance to win game as Wallabies kicker fails to hit penalty
- TRY! Australia 31-33 IRELAND (Thomas Clarkson, 77 minutes)
- TRY! AUSTRALIA 31-26 Ireland (Tate McDermott, 53 minutes)
- TRY! Australia 24-26 IRELAND (Hugo Keenan, 47 minutes)
- HT: Australia 24-19 Ireland
- TRY! AUSTRALIA 24-12 Ireland (Ryan Lonergan, 27 minutes)
Still to come in the Nations Championship
14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A busy day of rugby continues:
Australia 31-33 Ireland
Fiji vs Wales (2.10pm BST, Cardiff)
South Africa vs England (4.40pm BST, Johannesburg)
Argentina vs Scotland (8pm BST, Cordoba)
Nations Championship schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch
Australia expose old Ireland flaws – but Andy Farrell’s side find a way in Nations Championship thriller
13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland prop Tom Clarkson’s late converted try snatched his side a thrilling 33-31 win over Australia in their Nations Championship opener in Sydney.
Replacement Clarkson went over from close range to tie the scores at 31-31 with three minutes remaining in a breathless encounter at the Allianz Stadium and Sam Prendergast landed the match-winning conversion.
Australia replacement fly-half Ben Donaldson had a chance to win it for the hosts with a long-range penalty at the death, but was off target in a match which saw both sides score five tries.
Australia expose old Ireland flaws – but Farrell’s side find a way to win thriller
Agony...and relief
13:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Hugo Keenan reacts to Ireland's win
13:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“God, it was so tight, so intense, a proper Test match. We asked to make this crowd, the thousands in green proud, and that’s what we did – we never gave up. It all came down to a kick and Australia were really unlucky.
“They’ve got some unbelievable ball carriers and are a top quality side. We know what they can be like and how good they are. It was a proper Test match, as I said.”
Did Australia make the right call?
13:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Full credit to Ben Donaldson for stepping up – but should Australia have punted the penalty for more territory and tried to earn another opportunity in a better position?
FT: Australia 31-33 Ireland
13:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Phew. A stone-cold classic in Sydney, with Ireland just about holding on at the last. So much to like about the Wallabies’ performance, but credit to Andy Farrell’s tourists for finding a way.
FULL TIME! Australia 31-33 Ireland
13:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
MISSED PENALTY! Australia 31-33 Ireland, 79 minutes
13:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Starts right...stays right! Ireland cling on as Ben Donaldson misses at the last!
Australia 31-33 Ireland, 80 minutes
13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland can contest safely at this range, not fearing a match-winning goal kick from this distance. Australia edge closer and closer, though, with Tadhg Beirne forced into a cover tackle. Into the Ireland half, now, with the clock almost dead.
Penalty to Australia! Off feet against Ireland. It’ll be all of 45 metres on the angle, but they will have a shot at the very least.
Here we go. The attack comes to nothing. It’s on the five-metre line on the right, and just in front of the 10-metre. Mightily tough. Does Ben Donadlson fancy it?
He does! “Yeah, yeah,” he emphatically informs Harry Wilson. To the posts they point.
Australia 31-33 Ireland, 79 minutes
12:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jamison Gibson-Park tests the aerial acumen of Australia again. It’s good. Has Nick Timoney one a breakdown turnover, though? No, rule the officials. Australia have possession 60 metres from the Ireland line.
Australia 31-33 Ireland, 78 minutes
12:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How is the restart drill? Superb from Tadhg Beirne, clutching high above his head with serious skill. Ireland kick possession away; Australia kick it back. Into the final 100 seconds.
TRY! Australia 31-33 IRELAND (Thomas Clarkson, 77 minutes)
12:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And there’s the try! A charge from Kelleher, a meatier one from Thomas Clarkson, and the front row get Ireland level.
Now, can Sam Prendergast convert? Bingo – Ireland lead by two with two and a half minutes to go!
YELLOW CARD! Josh Canham is sent to the sin bin! Australia 31-26 Ireland, 75 minutes
12:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A quick tap and Josh Canham is offside! Out comes the yellow card and Australia will have to survive with 14 men.
Ronan Kelleher restarts the game sharply with another tap of the boot.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 75 minutes
12:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Frantic stuff in attack and defence. There looks to be space on the right for Stuart McCloskey, but Ciaran Frawley is forced to wait for a loopy pass and snagged before he can get his resultant transfer away.
Back for the penalty – or two, in fact. Australia are warned about their conduct. Tadhg Beirne is captaining Ireland now, and considers his options. He’ll have the penalty in the left corner.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 73 minutes
12:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
James Ryan is given an absolute tonking by Tom Hooper, fresh from being a key part of Exeter’s charge into the Prem final. The Chief was overeager – an offside penalty against Australia. Ireland’s forwards saunter down towards the five-metre line, following Sam Prendergast’s punt. Ronan Kelleher will throw the lineout.
Joe McCarthy takes at the front, and there’s an advantage, too...
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 72 minutes
12:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Tense, this. Ireland play from deep and then go the air, but Dylan Pietsch is rock solid beneath Jamison Gibson-Park’s box kick. It’s telling that Gibson-Park is still out there.
Tate McDermott replies in kind, with Jimmy O’Brien the catcher.
Missed penalty! Australia 31-26 Ireland, 71 minutes
12:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Tugged across the face. The margin remains five points. Ireland within a single score.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 70 minutes
12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Handbags! A bit of a fracas as the two teams scuffle after a silly penalty from Jimmy O’Brien, cutting off Dylan Pietsch’s chase with a block.
Australia point to the posts, looking to extend the lead to eight points. It’s right on the touchline for Ben Donaldson, the right-footer kicking from the right...
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 68 minutes
12:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right then, gird yourselves Wallabies for a crucial scrum...and the penalty is theirs! A roar in Sydney as James Slipper rolls back the years and marmalises Thomas Clarkson. Taniela Tupou, so improved over the last 12 months, does a number on Tom O’Toole, too – that Ireland scrum remains an area of real concern.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 66 minutes
12:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Shelled with line in sight! Jamison Gibson-Park’s idea is intuitive, shifting to space with a wider pass, but the execution is poor, James Ryan in the way and cutting off the toss before Bundee Aki can gather it. A knock-on and a dirty look or two between teammates. Australia survive again!
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 65 minutes
12:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Zoom zoom zoom – Nick Timoney shows his trademark burst of pace as the replacement flanker hurries into the Australia 22. James Slipper kills possession at the next ruck – penalty or more? No card coming, with referee Ben O’Keeffe looking kindly upon the veteran, but this is another glorious chance for Ireland as they probe the left corner.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 64 minutes
12:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Bundee Aki has been introduced as Ireland bid to fightback again. Just a slight sense that the intensity earlier has started to sap some of them out there.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 62 minutes
12:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Some shot from Hugo Keenan. The full-back nails Max Jorgensen to stem the Australian tide after Jock Campbell had seared the outside edge of the Irish chase. Keenan’s stern tackle forces Jorgensen into touch, too.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 61 minutes
12:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ben Donaldson has replaced Carter Gordon at fly half for Australia. He tries to get something going out to the right flank but a poor pass evades Dylan Pietsch.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 60 minutes
12:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A disappointing return for the loosehead – he’s whistled for driving across. Back O’Toole and the rest of the Irish eight retreat for an Australia lineout in their half.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 60 minutes
12:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Oh dear. Oh dear. Jeremy Loughman gets his head on the wrong side and takes a Rob Valetini knee to the dome in an attempted tackle. Nasty. Luckily, I think Loughman looks alright – or as well as one can be after such an incident – but that’ll be him done for the day.
He’s back on his feet and applauded off. Tom O’Toole returns.
NO TRY! Australia 31-26 Ireland, 59 minutes
12:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Chalked off for obstruction! Assistant referee Andrea Piardi seemed keen to argue that Taniela Tupou had come in at the side to force the Irish drive off line, but referee Ben O’Keeffe is content there is no contact – and Ryan’s actions are therefore entirely illegal. No try! How crucial might that be?
Try?
12:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Well then. James Ryan appears to have ploughed into Rob Valetini in front of Dan Sheehan – but does it make any difference? And had a Wallaby come in at the side first?
TRY! Australia 31-33 IRELAND (Dan Sheehan, 58 minutes)
12:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A mighty maul and Dan Sheehan is there!
All he had to do was hit his jumper! Australia can’t stop the lineout drive from gaining momentum and the Ireland captain rides his chariot to the line.
Sam Prendergast knocks over the extra two, and Ireland lead. Or do they? TMO Matteo Liperini wants to check possible obstruction.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 57 minutes
12:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another opportunity soon comes as Australia infringe at a ruck. Can Ireland make more of this shot?
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 56 minutes
12:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Chance passed up by Ireland. A midfield penalty affords Sam Prendergast another chance to find the corner, and the fly half duly obliges...only for the long-limbed Josh Canham to force another lineout misfire. Canham’s been outstanding today.
Australia 31-26 Ireland, 55 minutes
12:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A crucial strike there for Australia – one wondered if Tate McDermott had made the right call to go it alone but he is rewarded.
Here comes their veteran: James Slipper steps in for Angus Bell as Joe Schmidt freshens up his front row. Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Taniela Tupou follow him on.
TRY! AUSTRALIA 31-26 Ireland (Tate McDermott, 53 minutes)
12:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sharp stuff from Tate McDermott and the scrum half gets there!
Ireland put weight on too soon at the scrum, and McDermott is off in haste, hurrying to the back and then for the line after his tapped free kick. There’s a thicket of forwards in front of him but McDermott is prepared to the heavy sledding, keeping his little legs pumping and getting a helping hand at the last from captain Harry Wilson to ensure ball finds try line.
Australia 24-26 Ireland, 52 minutes
12:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland captain Dan Sheehan isn’t happy with that penalty call, making a polite enquiry to referee Ben O’Keeffe.
Australia opt for the scrum; Ireland answer by bringing on four fresh forwards: Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Beirne and Nick Timoney. Beirne on the blindside with Cian Prendergast replaced.
Australia 24-26 Ireland, 51 minutes
12:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Punishing fringe defence from Ireland, denying even Rob Valetini the gainline – a relative rarity. Tate McDermott recognises a different approach is required, dummying and darting to regain momentum. Ireland soon infringe.
Australia 24-26 Ireland, 49 minutes
12:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Reward, then, for Ireland for their ability to re-focus both before and after half time. Tadhg Furlong errs, though, scragging Tate McDermott around the neck. Carter Gordon pounds the ball down into the Ireland 22, from where the Wallabies can start their latest attacking adventure.
TRY! Australia 24-26 IRELAND (Hugo Keenan, 47 minutes)
12:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Patient, powerful, potent – Ireland re-take the lead! Australia can’t quell their repeated rumbles in the tight and when the advantage comes, Garry Ringrose and Hugo Keenan combine superbly for Ireland’s fourth score.
Australia 24-19 Ireland, 45 minutes
12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Josh Canham is penalised for hauling on the arm of James Ryan as the pair contest the latest lineout.
Dan Sheehan throws another within six metres of the Australia line...and there’s another Ireland penalty for a misdeed. Dan Sheehan gathers his forward chums and taps quickly. The same play as earlier, though this time Josh van der Flier is stalled.
Australia 24-19 Ireland, 44 minutes
12:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Just as I praise him, Carter Gordon misses a tackle on Stuart McCloskey. He’s not the first this year, mind – what a year the inside centre is having.
It just feels a little bit cagier now, though, both teams settling in again after that breackneck first half.
Australia 24-19 Ireland, 43 minutes
12:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A poor decision from Carter Gordon, a chipped cross-kick out to the left wing where there is only No 8 Harry Wilson to chase. Jimmy O’Brien is speedily back to claim a mark.
Gordon’s looked good, though, far better than he did when thrown in against Italy in November.
Australia 24-19 Ireland, 41 minutes
12:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia lock Josh Canham picks up where he left off, charging down Jamison Gibson-Park. Sam Prendergast helps his half-back partner out with a booming spiral boot right the way down towards the Wallabies 22.
Joe McCarthy catches Tate McDermott, on for the duration for Ryan Lonergan at scrum half, with a high tackle.
Second half...
12:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, the players are back out there. I thought the Wallabies’ tight five was very good in that first 40 – locks Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham particularly. Can they stay the course?
Back underway.
Nations Championship results
12:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s been a thrilling day of rugby so far – with much more to come today and throughout this month:
Nations Championship schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch
HT: Australia 24-19 Ireland
11:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Blimey. Helter-skelter stuff in Sydney, with both sides throwing plenty at one another and a lot of it sticking. Australia have played some superb stuff, all outrageous athleticism and fast flicks, while Ireland have stayed with them thanks to some clinical strikes from inside the 22 and that superb score to close the first 40. More, please!
HALF TIME: Australia 24-19 Ireland
11:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
TRY! Australia 24-19 IRELAND (Jamison Gibson-Park, 42 minutes)
11:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The gamble pays off! A roll of the dice and it comes up seven!
Brilliant stuff from Ireland, attacking like in their pomp under Joe Schmidt with forwards fluttering in phase play. A pull-back from Tadhg Furlong sets up space for Garry Ringrose to feed Jack Conan through, and Jamison Gibson-Park is there to prance between the posts. A fitting end to a thrilling half of rugby to leave the match firmly in the balance.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 40 minutes
11:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The half-time hooter sounds as Ireland set a scrum on their own 22. Dare they chance another attack? Yes, running it from deep. Jamie Osborne makes 15 metres or so on the outside left.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 39 minutes
11:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia are going to keep coming and coming. They are happy to play phases, with Ben O’Keeffe rewarding their breakdown work so far. Lovely interplay to the left gets Max Jorgensen in a one-on-one with Sam Prendergast, which the fly half does well in. Jorgensen is free this time, though, as the ball comes back to that side, but a hurried toss over the top from Harry Wilson evades the Wallabies wing.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 37 minutes
11:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A try-saving tackle from Hugo Keenan! Absolutely vital from the Ireland full-back, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in full pyroclastic flow after erupting out of Garry Ringrose’s challenge. Not only, though, does Keenan put out that fire, but he forces an errant offload, too – such a solid operator.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 36 minutes
11:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A third lost lineout for Ireland – plenty for Paul O’Connell to consider on that front.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 35 minutes
11:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s taken 35 minutes, nearly, for the game’s first scrum – some encounter, this. Allan Alaalatoa puts Tom O’Toole in bother but not enough to force a penalty.
Two Ulster looseheads (sort of), today: Angus Bell spent last season in Belfast before returning to Australia, while Tom O’Toole’s conversion from tighthead continues.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 33 minutes
11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland will back their bench in the final quarter but this next 10 minutes could be key. They’ve looked dangerous every time they’ve had it...until now, actually, with a few aimless phases on the fringes of the 22 ended by a knock-on from Jamison Gibson-Park. The scrum half cries foul, believing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s disruptive counter-ruck came from the side – he may have an argument, but it’s not one that the officials will hear.
Opposite number Ryan Lonergan is trudging down the tunnel. HIA? Blood? Looks the latter, but we’ll see. Tate McDermott steps in.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 32 minutes
11:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
In the end, Ireland are rather bailed out by a couple of lazy Australian chasers pursuing a box kick from Ryan Lonergan from an offside position. They were told to get back by referee Ben O’Keeffe, but failed to heed his call.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 31 minutes
11:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s not ideal. The Leinster lineout drill falters as captain Dan Sheehan finds the fingertips of James Ryan – no more, though, with Harry Wilson fastest to the fumble at the tail.
Australia 24-12 Ireland, 29 minutes
11:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland just need to settle a little and regain their composure. Joe McCarthy is absolutely melted by Harry Wilson and Allan Alaalatoa, which won’t steady them much.
TRY! AUSTRALIA 24-12 Ireland (Ryan Lonergan, 27 minutes)
11:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Pocket picked and Australia pilfer another!
Oh, Sam Prendergast, you can’t be throwing that pass – Max Jorgensen is right in the lane and snatches it in front of Hugo Keenan. Stuart McCloskey shows off his striding speed again to reel the wing in but there is no one to stop Ryan Lonergan on the inside. The Wallabies are flying!
Australia 17-12 Ireland, 26 minutes
11:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
So far, so good for the Nations Championship, you’d say. New Zealand vs France was a thriller earlier and Japan have claimed a very, very good win over Italy in the last little while
TRY! AUSTRALIA 17-12 Ireland (Josh Canham, 24 minutes)
11:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
They won’t! Josh Canham burrows in from the base of a ruck. Ireland had done well to reset initially but just left a soft guard area, with Sam Prendergast forced to fill in late and no match for the mighty lock.
Carter Gordon finds the conversion on this occasion.
Australia 10-12 Ireland, 23 minutes
11:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia look really, really sharp with ball-in-hand. And off goes Rob Valetini! A gorgeous line from the big blindside flanker and he strides into space.
Ryan Lonergan is in support like all expert scrum halves, and there is a penalty coming if needed...
Australia 10-12 Ireland, 21 minutes
11:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A high hoist from Ireland causes confusion in the Aussie backfield, ball to floor with a thud and then into Josh van der Flier’s hands rather more gently. Jamison Gibson-Park figures the best strategy is the air again...and Jimmy O’Brien taps the box kick back. Good progress made by the tourists as they foray towards the 22.
No longer! Jeremy Willilams is in quickly at the slightest sniff of a breakdown ball exposed. Hugo Keenan the man isolated.
TRY! Australia 10-12 IRELAND (Josh van der Flier, 19 minutes)
11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Simple...but highly effective! Dan Sheehan taps the penalty and sets off with head down. Australia swarm to stop him, perhaps remembering how the hooker shot over at the MCG for the Lions last year, but thus leave Josh van der Flier all alone to his right.
The flanker’s sharp angle cuts the defensive line, and the whitewash. Ireland hit back again.
Australia 10-7 Ireland, 18 minutes
11:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A second offside penalty. Ireland will take it after Garry Ringrose knocks on.
Australia 10-7 Ireland, 17 minutes
11:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Wallabies stray offside. Advantage coming for Ireland.
Australia 10-7 Ireland, 16 minutes
11:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Breathless stuff. Australia clearly came to play and Ireland are right at the party, swaying to the up-tempo beat. Fraser McReight, an arch poacher at the breakdown, has his hands on the pill but illegally so; Sam Prendergast pings the penalty into the corner, with his brother again the successful lineout target.
TRY! AUSTRALIA 10-7 Ireland (Jock Campbell, 14 minutes)
11:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Back in the side, back on the scoresheet! Jock Campbell finishes off a scintillating score.
This is corking rugby from Australia, sweeping from side to side and presenting different pictures with intelligent, dextrous handling at the line. Carter Gordon orchestrates and illustrates, creating room on the right which Len Ikitau’s sharp pass exploits. Campbell has Dylan Pietsch on his outside again, but doesn’t need him – provider turns scorer in that same right corner.
Australia 5-7 Ireland, 13 minutes
11:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A high-pace start in Sydney. Carter Gordon goes carving up through the centre of the Irish midfield defence, showcasing the running skills that served him well in his brief NRL stint. The Wallabies fly half has made a tidy opening here.
TRY! Australia 5-7 IRELAND (Cian Prendergast, 11 minutes)
11:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And Cian Prendergast gets there! Just!
A thumping carry of typical punch from Stuart McCloskey, and then the big blindside flanker provides the telling tote. Or does he? The video footage appears far from clear but referee Ben O’Keeffe has spotted it on the line live, so the try stands. Sam Prendergast adds the extra two to his elder brother’s score to nudge Ireland in front.
Australia 5-0 Ireland, 10 minutes
11:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Brother Cian Prendergast claims the lineout at the tail, and around come the forwards into the maul. Closer and closer they inch...
Australia 5-0 Ireland, 8 minutes
11:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland get their defensive intensity spot on, though, with Sam Prendergast aided by Josh van der Flier in cutting Len Ikitau down to size. A counter-ruck is deemed legal by Ben O’Keeffe with Rob Valetini ordered to leave the ball, and Ireland will attack from inside the Australia half after winning a kicking exchange.
A penalty at the lineout. What’s the call? Corner. Prendergast finds it.
Australia 5-0 Ireland, 7 minutes
11:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A bit predictable in attack from Ireland. Jamie Osborne is turtled and turned over by the combined efforts of Rob Valetini and Angus Bell – two men of sizeable shoulders that prove impossible to shift.
Australia 5-0 Ireland, 5 minutes
11:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Less good! Harry Wilson fails to find Max Jorgensen with a pull-back pass seven metres from his own line and only some nifty scrambling from Carter Gordon preventsJamison Gibson-Park from profiting. Australia survive, and clear from a goalline dropout.
TRY! AUSTRALIA 5-0 Ireland (Dylan Pietsch, 4 minutes)
11:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A sensational start from the Wallabies! Australia’s forwards condense the defensive line in, and then it’s crisp handling from the backs, Jock Campbell gathering at his shoelaces and sending Dylan Pietsch into the right corner.
Carter Gordon bananas the conversion past the uprights, but that’s some start for the hosts.
Australia 0-0 Ireland, 3 minutes
11:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia pilfer lineout ball and off they go, surging into the Irish 22 with a series of strong carries. Rob Valetini rumbles on and referee Ben O’Keeffe has his arm out – advantage coming, if required...
Australia 0-0 Ireland, 2 minutes
11:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Signs of strategy with the boot early on: Gordon again elects not to find touch, while Sam Prendergast sends up another skier.
Gordon’s next kick does tumble to the touchline after clearing the head of Hugo Keenan in the backfield. A good clearance into the Irish half.
Australia 0-0 Ireland, 1 minute
11:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia play a few phases inside their own 22 but get themselves in bother, forcing Carter Gordon into a hurried clearance.
An up and under lands on the fly half’s head thereafter, but Gordon is comfortable in the catch and claims a mark.
KICK OFF!
11:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sam Prendergast puts boot to ball and off we go!
Australia vs Ireland
11:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“Advance Australia Fair” is delivered in tempo and time. Full house in Sydney – this could be very fun indeed.
Australia vs Ireland
11:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A spot of Sydney’s own AC/DC to greet the players. A Bon Scott tune, too, for safety. Time to rock and roll.
The poor Irish anthem singer gets himself out of rhythm with “Ireland’s Call”. Dan Sheehan shoots him a quizzical look.
Australia vs Ireland
11:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
They aren’t necessarily great at conforming to the scheduled kick off times in Australia, though the fans in the stands seem to be enjoying a pre-match light show. Harry Wilson and his Wallabies are making their way into the tunnel.
Here we go
11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell had a coffee together this morning, a catch up between old coaching colleagues ahead of this Test. That friendship will be put to one side with kick off near.
Australia vs Ireland match officials
10:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
FPRO: Glenn Newman (NZ)
Jamie Osborne fills James Lowe's boots
10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There is a slight sense that Ireland don’t quite know what to do with Jamie Osborne, currently the back-up back just about everywhere from 11-15. He had a good Six Nations in the centres but his presence on the wing today is necessitated by injuries to Mack Hansen and Tommy O’Brien, as well as the departure of James Lowe from Irish rugby.
Lowe appears primed for a move to Japan after failing to agree a deal with Leinster, which would render him ineligible – probably!
"You know that we've held the line with that for many, many years and whatever, but we'll see how that plays out in the next 12 months," Andy Farrell said when asked about the IRFU's policy on selecting players based overseas.
"I mean, if we don't develop someone and bring someone through... I mean, push come to shove, we probably could have brought him out here. But is it the right thing to do to not develop someone and give people a chance?
"I think it's the right thing to do, to have a look and give people a bit of space to be able to do that. We'll see how that goes."
One last dance
10:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was a slight surprise to see James Slipper answer the Wallabies’ SOS, with the prop seemingly content with his career after announcing his retirement at the end of last year’s Rugby Championship. But cap No 152 will arrive today, with potentially more to follow, as the old front row warrior laces them up again to serve his country.
He’s been some player, really – it’s more than 16 years now since his international debut against England. Remarkable. Two more caps would take him past Sam Whitelock as the second highest Test tally of all time.
Back on familiar territory
10:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
10 of the Ireland starting XV featured at some stage on the British and Irish Lions tour last year, with another four Lions on the bench back on familiar territory. Much of Andy Farrell’s coaching staff and backroom team made the trip, too – I believe they are staying in the same hotel in central Sydney as used last year. Happy memories? Of course, the Lions failed to win the third Test in the city, but the series was already secure.
Team news – Ireland
10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sam Prendergast is backed at No 10 by Andy Farrell in the absence of the injured Jack Crowley. Dan Sheehan skippers the Irish side with Caelan Doris another significant figure unavailable, while Jamie Osborne showcases his versatility as he starts on the wing. On the other is Jimmy O’Brien, called in late after injury to Rob Baloucoune.
Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne and Bundee Aki ensure there is plenty of experience on the bench with Nick Timoney looking to build on a strong Six Nations.
Ireland XV: 1 Tom O’Toole, 2 Dan Sheehan (capt.), 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan; 6 Cian Prendergast, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Jack Conan; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 Jamie Osborne, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Jimmy O’Brien; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Tadhg Beirne, 20 Nick Timoney; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Bundee Aki.
Team news – Australia
10:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia hand a first international appearance in nearly four years to full-back Jock Campbell, stationed in a back three that also includes Max Jorgensen and Dylan Pietsch. Josh Canham partners Jeremy Williams in the second row with Lachlan Shaw primed for a debut off the bench.
Also among the replacements is James Slipper, out of retirement and set to earn his 152nd cap after loosehead injury issues.
Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Josh Nasser, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Jeremy Williams, 5 Josh Canham, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Ryan Lonergan, 10 Carter Gordon; 11 Dylan Pietsch, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Jock Campbell.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lachlan Shaw, 20 Tom Hooper; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Tom Wright.
Good news for Australia?
10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Wallabies are far from the only sporting story in Australia this week, with a decisive State of Origin clash to come in Brisbane on Wednesday, their female cricketers batting England for T20 World Cup success at Lord’s tomorrow and the Socceroos reaching the knockouts of the Fifa World Cup in North America. It’s good news, then, that a sellout crowd is settling in to Sydney’s Allianz Stadium – the ground is due to host five games at next year’s Rugby World Cup as one of two venues in the city.
Joe Schmidt says goodbye
09:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland have Joe Schmidt to thank, of course, for their head coach, with the Kiwi luring Farrell across the Irish Sea after England’s early World Cup exit from the 2015 World Cup. Schmidt has done a solid steadying job over the last couple of years in Australia but is preparing to bid farewell to the Wallabies, with Les Kiss – another ex-Ireland assistant – ready to take the reins and lead them into a home World Cup next year.
A new contract for Andy Farrell
09:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is Andy Farrell’s first game with Ireland since putting pen to paper on a new deal that will see him stay through to the 2031 World Cup. With significant interest elsewhere, it’s a good bit of business from the IRFU to tie the head coach down:
Andy Farrell commits future to Ireland with long-term contract extension
What is the Nations Championship? Rugby’s new-look north vs south competition
09:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Designed to add context to the July and November international windows, rugby’s new Nations Championship is a significant development for the sport. Here is everything you need to know:
What is the Nations Championship? Rugby’s new-look north vs south competition
Australia's Nations Championship schedule
09:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 4 July: Australia vs Ireland (11.10am BST, Sydney)
Saturday 11 July: Australia vs France (11.10am BST, Brisbane)
Saturday 18 July: Australia vs Italy (11.10am BST, Perth)
Nations Championship schedule, kick-off times and how to watch
Ireland's Nations Championship schedule
09:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 4 July: Australia vs Ireland (10.45am BST, Sydney)
Saturday 11 July: Japan vs Ireland (11.10am BST, Newcastle, Australia)
Saturday 18 July: New Zealand vs Ireland (8.10am BST, Auckland)
Dan Sheehan ready after answering captaincy call
08:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Dan Sheehan admitted getting the call to captain Ireland in their upcoming Nations Championship series “didn’t faze” him.
The 27-year-old hooker will skipper the team on their three-match tour – which starts against Australia today – after Caelan Doris was ruled out with a foot injury.
Sheehan revealed the call came during celebrations in the days after Leinster’s 36-7 United Rugby Championship final triumph over Pretoria Bulls last month.
He told reporters: “It hasn’t been too daunting. I remember getting the call on day two of celebrations of the URC and it didn’t faze me at all. I was sort of more just disappointed for Caelan at the time.
“We have a great group of leaders already in this squad so I think it’s just a good chance for me to develop my own personal skills but also get a grip of the squad in a full month on tour, which has been nice.
“I think the prep has been good, I’ve enjoyed the build-up to it, I think everyone’s raring to go. Nice Saturday evening kick-off, hopefully a lot of Irish in town. A lot to be excited for.”
Sam Prendergast gets fly half nod in Ireland team for Nations Championship clash with Australia
08:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland coach Andy Farrell has backed Sam Prendergast to shine in Sydney after installing the young playmaker at No 10 for the clash with Australia rugby.
Prendergast was dropped from Farrell’s side after two rounds of the Six Nations with Jack Crowley preferred and orchestrating a turnaround in the side’s fortunes.
But with the Munster fly half absent for the start of the inaugural Nations Championship, Prendergast has been recalled to partner Leinster teammate Jamison Gibson-Park in the halves.
Prendergast gets fly half nod in Ireland team for clash with Australia
Australia vs Ireland
Friday 3 July 2026 15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Familiar foes will clash again as Australia and Ireland meet in Sydney. For Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt, this game against his former assistant Andy Farrell marks the start of a farewell tour before he hands over the reins to Les Kiss ahead of a home World Cup – can the hosts secure a significant success to kickstart the road to 2027?
Kick off is at 11.10am BST.
