If ever there was a game of three halves/thirds(!) it was Saturday’s Test match at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland absolutely poured into Australia from minute one and held the upper hand for 32 minutes of their clash. Then, marked by Andrew Trimble leaving the fray, the Wallabies parried back.
They got over for a try in the death rattle of the first half and battered the makeshift Irish lines for the opening 20 minutes of the second half, before Ireland rallied and scored when it counted.
David Pocock ended up on the losing side but he scarcely deserved his fate.
He won his side three turnovers, was a cement block at the breakdown and was Australia’s second highest tackler [14 jarring impacts]. His only blotch was a forward pass – forced by Kieran Marmion’s kamikaze press – that cost his side a try.
Still, he was one of the first Australian players the victorious Irish lads sought out when the final whistle sounded. The respect they have for the man was clear to see.
Following their 27-24 loss, the Australians grumbled about penalties and Jerome Garces’ law interpretations but they also gave Ireland their dues.
“Ireland played well and they deserved to win,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, “because they put us under pressure in the first half in particular and we got too far behind.”
It was a view echoed by Australia captain Stephen Moore and his crestfallen teammates that fronted up for interviews in the mixed zone.
Before he flew out to England for Australia’s final game of a gruelling season, Pocock gave his credit and thanks to Ireland.
Gutted about the result last night. Congrats to Ireland on the win and thanks for the hospitality this week. #IREvAUS pic.twitter.com/otAn6seevP
— David Pocock (@DavidPocock) November 27, 2016
Pocock has played two Test matches in Dublin and has twice been denied victories by late Irish tries.
One hopes we get to see one of the world’s best loose forwards back one year for another crack.
Dick Clerkin makes his GAA Hour debut to talk about a wonderful career and argue passionately with Colm Parkinson over Sky Sports GAA. Subscribe here on iTunes.
