Ireland completed an Autumn Series clean-sweep with a stunning win over Australia at the Aviva Stadium.
A try from Simon Zebo after 12 minutes and a brilliant intercept score from Ulster’s Tommy Bowe three minutes later got the home side off to a flyer but after a dreadful start the Wallabies were quickly back in the match.
Tries from Wallaby scrumhalf Nick Phipps and a controversial score from Bernard Foley, awarded by the TMO, saw gap the narrow.
Australia’s third try was one of the international tries of the season. Matt Toomua put Foley clear with a clever inside ball and the outhalf broke clear of Sexton’s attempted tackle. He drew Murray before passing to Phipps who went over for his second try.
Penalties from Foley and Sexton saw the scores level at 20 each at the break.
There were fewer points scored in the second half but the intensity didn’t let up. The break down remained hotly contested. Foley and Sexton exchanged penalties and it was 23 points all going into the final exchanges.
With 15 minutes to go, the Wallabies were pinged for being off their feet and Sexton hit what proved to be the winning penalty.
Ireland defended ferociously in the final exchanges and held on to claim the famous win.
Joe Schmidt’s side now head into the RBS 6 Nations in the best possible way, looking to retain their Championship title, before the big one – the world cup in England next Autumn.
If they play anything like they have done in recent weeks that could be a very exciting tournament indeed.