Ireland secured a dramatic 33-31 victory over Australia in the Nations Championship opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, after Wallabies fly-half Ben Donaldson missed a penalty kick with the final play of the match. The win snapped Ireland's seven-match losing streak in Australia and handed the Wallabies a heartbreaking defeat in front of a record crowd of 41,971.
Fast-paced start with five tries in opening half-hour
Both teams showed little rust despite long layoffs, trading tries at a frenetic pace. Australia struck first in the 6th minute when Carter Gordon fired a long pass to Jock Campbell, who flicked it to winger Dylan Pietsch for a corner finish. Ireland responded in the 10th minute through Sam Prendergast, who burrowed over from close range, with brother Cian converting for a 7-5 lead. Australia regained the lead when Gordon set up Campbell for a try in the right corner, but Ireland's Josh van der Flier answered immediately to make it 12-10 to the visitors.
The Wallabies then delivered a one-two punch. Rob Valetini split the Irish defence and set up Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's tip pass to Pietsch, who put Josh Canham over. Minutes later, Max Jorgensen forced an error and set up half-back Ryan Lonergan to dot down, giving Australia a 24-12 lead after 30 minutes.
Ireland fight back before halftime
Australia's attacking flair and defensive intensity rattled Ireland, but the visitors struck back just before the break. Jamison Gibson-Park finished a counterattack on the siren to make it 24-19 at halftime. Ireland had spurned penalty kicks to chase tries, a tactic that paid off in the second half.
Seven minutes into the new half, Ireland regained the lead. Gibson-Park flung the ball right, and Garry Ringrose's deft pass found Hugo Keenan, who burst through Suaalii to score, making it 24-26. Australia responded through Tate McDermott, who came on early after Lonergan left with a concussion, scooting away to regain the lead at 31-26 after Gordon's conversion.
Controversy and late drama
Ireland thought they had retaken the lead in the 56th minute when Dan Sheehan barrelled over, but Wallabies captain Harry Wilson called for a review, claiming obstruction. The try was overturned, keeping Australia ahead. Both sides grew skittish with fumbles and penalties. Donaldson missed a penalty kick with 10 minutes remaining.
With the crowd on edge, Ireland pushed into Australia's red zone and rolled their maul forward. Wallabies repelled wave after wave until debutant Lachlan Shaw received a yellow card. Thomas Clarkson then crashed over to make it 33-31 in Ireland's favour.
Final twist: Donaldson's miss
In the final seconds, Ireland erred at the ruck, gifting Donaldson a penalty kick from 40 metres out. As the crowd held their breath, his kick sailed wide, sparking Irish celebrations. The Wallabies and their fans walked off in despair, while Ireland sang The Cranberries' 'Zombie' in jubilation.
The win was Ireland's first in Australia since 2018 and avenged a series defeat last year. Australia, despite scoring five tries, have now lost eight of their past nine Tests.
