Compiled by
JOHN O'SULLIVAN
6 STEPHEN FERRIS
One snapshot epitomises his impact and that is the tackle on Australia scrumhalf Will Genia; Ferris picked him up in a bear hug and it led directly to a turnover. Not as many chances with ball in hand but very influential.
8/10
12 GORDON D’ARCY
Excellent in defence before going off with an injury, making several important tackles. One great take from a 22 drop-out, he also managed to eke out yardage in cluttered corridors.
7/10
4 DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN
Right at the heart of two important turnovers in helping to hold up Australian ball carriers so that the referee ruled it a maul and awarded Ireland scrums. Typically hard working and definitely more effective.
7/10
1 CIAN HEALY
A worthy winner of the man-of-the-match award and he, in tandem with the rest of the pack, forced Australia into conceding penalties at scrum time. The hit on Quade Cooper made the highlights reel. Excellent display.
8/10
2 RORY BEST
Ireland had relatively few lineouts but apart from one crooked throw that aspect of Ireland’s performance was traditionally fluent. He worked very hard in general display.
7/10
7 SEÁN O’BRIEN
Despite conceding a couple of penalties, the Tullow man had another huge game in terms of his ball carrying in which he broke the first tackle more often than not. Excellent defence too.
8/10
9 EOIN REDDAN
Wasn’t given the protection early on at ruck time and was caught on two occasions but his speed to the breakdown did allow the Irish backs a little extra time and space.
6/10
3 MIKE ROSS
Ireland’s scrum leader, he was outstanding in this facet of the game. His primacy in the set scrum tends to overshadow everything else but he carried more on Saturday including one fine juggle close to Aussie line.
8/10
14 TOMMY BOWE
Great early take, worked extremely hard for his team in attack and defence, using grubber kicks intelligently. He was caught out on one quick throw. Great intercept during that pulsating endgame in a fine display.
7/10
11 KEITH EARLS
Recovered quickly from a mistake at the kick-off when he carried the ball into touch. Tried to get involved in the game going forward but was never really given a chance. Defended with tenacity.
6/10
15 ROB KEARNEY
Penalised for a high tackle and a little casual to be beaten to the first high ball, but thereafter played with customary authority and calm assurance. Good kicking, intelligent positional play, strong in the air.
6/10
5 PAUL O’CONNELL
Ran the Irish lineout, gave the opposition one or two problems on their own ball. His tackle on Quade Cooper showed great determination, was vital and epitomised the commitment of Ireland in defence.
7/10
THE BENCH
Ronan O’Gara came on and kicked two penalties and had the biggest impact off the bench.
8/10
13 BRIAN O’DRISCOLL
His leadership skills were very much in evidence in the manner in which he directed his fellow backs. He made some sneaky yardage with clever exploitation of gaps on the fringes of rucks.
7/10
10 JONATHAN SEXTON
Struggled a little again with the placed ball but his general game management was good and coped admirably when switching to inside centre following Gordon D’Arcy’s injury.
6/10
8 JAMIE HEASLIP
Often rightly singled out for his athleticism and eye-catching contributions in the loose but this performance confirmed that he is equally at home in less glamorous circumstances. Part of an outstanding backrow.
8/10
