Australia v Ireland rugby Test: Wallabies player ratings
The Wallabies began the Test season with a heartbreaking 33-31 defeat against Ireland in a match they knew they really should have won.
Wallabie five-eighth Ben Donaldson had the opportunity to win the game after the siren, but missed the kick and Ireland went on to win.
Let’s take a look at how the players scored in the opening Wallabies Test in Sydney.
Angus Bell 8
Despite returning from a difficult six months in Ulster, Angus Bell was full of energy, making 12 tackles and playing his part in a solid Wallabies attack. Six minutes later he made a great steal from goal. A key part of the Wallabies’ best work.
Josh Nasser 6.5
It was a bit of a surprise for the Reds hooker to start against Ireland, but he did not disappoint anyone and was at the heart of a vastly improved Wallabies squad that finished with 92% success.
Allan Alaalatoa 7.5
He was outstanding defensively, taking huge aggressive shots that seemed to stun the Irish offense. One of the Brumbies tighthead’s best Tests in a long time. He is the Wallabies’ second highest tackler with 13 points.
6 of Jeremy Williams
He was an outstanding part of the Wallabies squad, providing great lead from set-pieces, but he also came at a cost with his penalty count, conceding three goals on the night.
Josh Canham8
An outstanding performance from the Melbourne product as he caused havoc in Ireland’s outfield delivery.
Canham also put pressure on Ireland’s kicks with his height. It was hard to believe that this was only Canham’s third Test cap.
Rob Valetini’s 7.5
It is difficult to align the always polite and soft-spoken Valetini with the wrecking ball that has taken the field for the Wallabies. The breakaway is fit again and will be battered and bruised as the Irish defense try to contain him. He carried the ball 34 meters and managed to beat six defenders.
Fraser McReight 6.5
Given his extraordinarily high standards, this was not a classic McReight performance. The Irish failed to slow the ball down behind the ball and conceded two penalties.
Harry Wilson 7
The skipper did well to persuade referee Ben O’Keeffe to take a second look at Ireland’s Dan Sheehan’s ultimately disallowed try, and used his debating skills to ensure the referees saw a clear obstruction from James Ryan. One might wonder if Ben Donaldson should have taken the corner rather than let him take the penalty, but it’s great to look back. He reached 21 points in the number of fights on the night.
Ryan Lonergan7
He played very well on his first Test start with smooth serve and scored a try. He had to leave the field with an injury just 33 minutes into the match and still had more to give the Wallabies.
CarterGordon7
A mixed bag from Gordon, who can look shaky when kicking from the hand and still isn’t exactly comfortable kicking. He missed two conversions, but his running game and ability to see the field stood him in good stead. He limped off the field in the 57th minute in what would be a crucial defeat against France in Brisbane.
Dylan Pietsch’s 7
Physical and strong under the high ball. Pietsch has battled injuries and now looks every inch the Test starter for the Wallabies. He was rewarded with a first try in the game for the Wallabies and is always looking for work.
Len Ikitau 7
The world-class center picks up where he left off for the Wallabies, acting as the link man for his team’s best attacking effort. Suaalii is a much better player when he works with Ikitau.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 7
It’s a bit of a mixed bag for Suaalii, who has seen a lot more ball than he’s used to after a difficult season at the Waratahs. He carried it for 48 meters and had a great break at half-time and will be disappointed not to score.
He also won a crucial penalty by outpacing the Irishman and showing his rugby intelligence. The downside of the ledger was that he threw the ball wildly far at times.
Max Jorgensen 7.5
He managed to beat six defenders and was constantly dangerous for the Wallabies, helping set up Jock Campbell’s try after making an excellent read of Sam Prendergast’s pass and racing up the field for the full-back.
Jock Campbell 7.5
Campbell’s break between Test matches was 1316 days and he was rewarded with a try. Campbell also did an outstanding job of lacing up Carter Gordon’s errant pass to set up Dylan Pietsch for his first try. We were much calmer in the second half.
reserves
Brandon Paenga-Amosa 6.5
He was a key part of the Wallabies bomb squad and brought as always great physicality in carries and scrums.
James Slippers 6
It’s a welcome return for the veteran who never let anyone down in his return from retirement.
Taniela Tupou 6.5
A scrum penalty won and Ireland’s Tom O’Toole will be pleased to see the back of Tupou after their scrum clash
Lachlan Shaw 5.5
A Test debut after a costly yellow card for offside as the Wallabies desperately tried to hang on and, sadly, a game to forget.
Tom Hooper 6
After a strong season at Exeter, one of the Wallabies’ best teams last season, he will be looking to play more than 12 minutes against France next week.
Tate McDermott7
He arrived much earlier than expected and attempted a distinctive sniping. His serve was slightly less slick than before Lonergan and the Wallabies’ attack lost gear.
Ben Donaldson 6
He will be disappointed to have missed a penalty but he had the courage to stand up and take the penalty. This will be better in terms of performance.
No Tom Wright
I’m only on the field for three minutes.
