Ireland denied Australia a winning finish to their spring tour in Dublin, but it took every inch of effort to grind down a Wallabies team that defended bravely and very nearly rounded out a resurgent year on the best possible note.

Can Ireland wrap up the autumn internationals with victory in Dublin or will this emerging Australian team spoil the party?

Ireland 22 Australia 19 It was a game that Ireland dared not lose as the Irish Rugby Football Union celebrated its 150th anniversary, but Australia came agonisingly close to spoiling the party. In the end it took a late try by replacement hooker Gus McCarthy from a line-out drive to clinch the victory for Andy Farrell’s side,