The Wallabies started their Test season with a heartbreaking 33-31 loss to Ireland in a game they really knew they should have won.
Wallabies five-eighth Ben Donaldson had an opportunity to win the game after the siren, but the kick was missed and Ireland held on for victory.
Let’s take a look at how the players rated during the Wallabies’ opening Test in Sydney.
Angus Bell 8
Despite returning from a grueling six months with Ulster, Angus Bell was full of energy, making 12 tackles and playing his part in a strong Wallabies scrum. He made a brilliant steal on the ruck after six minutes. A key part of the Wallabies’ masterpiece.
Josh Nasser 6.5
There was some surprise for the Reds keeper to get a start against Ireland, but he didn’t let anyone down and was at the center of an improved Wallabies line-up that finished with a 92% success rate.
Allan Road 7.5
He was excellent in defence, firing fierce shots into an Irish attack that looked stunned. One of the Brumbies’ best Tests in a long time. The Wallabies’ second-highest striker with 13.
Jeremy Williams 6
He was the best part of the Wallabies line-up, providing good leadership in the line-up, but it also came at a cost to his penalty count, conceding three on the night.
Josh Canham 8
An excellent performance from the Melbourne product that caused havoc in the Irish lineout.
Canham also put pressure on the Irish kicker with his size. It was hard to believe that it was only Canham’s third Test match.
Rob Valentine 7.5
It’s hard to match the polite and soft-spoken Valetini with the wrecking ball that hits the field for the Wallabies. The breakaway is fit again and the Irish defenders will be battered trying to catch him. He carried the ball 34 meters and managed to beat six defenders.
Fraser McReight 6.5
By his lofty standards, this was no old McReight performance. Couldn’t slow down Ireland’s ball in the ruck and conceded two penalties.
Harry Wilson 7
The captain did well to persuade referee Ben O’Keeffe to take a second look at Ireland’s Dan Sheehan’s disallowed try, using his debating skills to get the officials to spot a clear block from James Ryan. He may wonder if he should have taken the corner instead of allowing Ben Donaldson to take the penalty, but hindsight is a wonder. He led the tackle count with 21 on the night.
Ryan Lonergan 7
He played very well on his first Test debut, with a smooth serve and scored a try. He had to leave the field due to injury in the 33rd minute of the game and he had a lot more to give the Wallabies.
Carter Gordon 7
A mixed bag from Gordon, who can look shaky when kicking and still not quite comfortable with kicking. He missed two turnovers, but he adds a lot with his running game and ability to see space. He left the field after 57 minutes and it will be a big loss against France in Brisbane.
Dylan Pietsch 7
Physical and strong under the high ball. Pietsch has battled through injuries and now looks every inch the Wallabies’ Test starter. He was awarded a first try for the Wallabies and is always looking for work.
Len Ikitau 7
The center with the highest status in the world has started when he left the Wallabies team and became a member of his attack line. Suaalii is a better player when working with Ikitau.
Joseph-August Question 7
A bit of a mix for Suaalii who saw more of the ball than he was used to after a difficult season with the Waratahs. He was carried 48 meters and made a good break before half-time and will regret not scoring.
He also won a crucial penalty by outmaneuvering the Irish in the ruck and showing his rugby acumen. On the negative side of the ledger, he threw the ball wildly at times.
Max Jorgensen 7.5
He was able to beat six defenders and was a constant threat for the Wallabies, helping to set up Jock Campbell’s try after reading Sam Prendergast’s pass perfectly and running down the field to set up the full-back.
Jock Campbell 7.5
Campbell’s break between Test matches was 1316 days and he was awarded a try. Campbell also did well to pick up Carter Gordon’s mistake to pass his shoelaces and set up Dylan Pietsch for his first try. The second half was much quieter.
Savings
Brandon Paenga-Amosa 6.5
He was an integral part of the Wallabies’ bomb squad and added great skill as ever with his carry and in the scrum.
James Slipper 6
A welcome return for the veteran who didn’t let anyone back from his retirement.
Daniel Tupou 6.5
He won a scrum penalty and Ireland’s Tom O’Toole will be delighted to see the back of Tupou after their scrum clash.
Lachlan Shaw 5.5
A forgettable first try after a costly yellow card for offside when the Wallabies were hanging on.
Tom Hooper 6
Fresh off a fine season at Exeter, one of the Wallabies’ best last season, he will want more than 12 minutes next week against France.
Tate McDermott 7
He came earlier than expected and made a trademark attempt to shoot. His serve was less smooth than Lonergan’s earlier and the Wallabies attack lost a gear.
Ben Donaldson 6
He will be disappointed to miss his penalty, but he had the courage to step up and take it. It will be better for this performance.
Tom Wright N/A
Only in the field for three minutes.
