Wallabies captain Harry Wilson was left proud but disappointed after a valiant defensive effort almost produced a special upset victory over Ireland in Dublin.
Heading into the game as conformable underdogs, the Australians showed remarkable fight in their quest to play spoilers as the Irish Rugby Union celebrated 150 years.
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They were limited to 31% of the territory and were required to make 30 more tackles than Ireland, yet Australia held an eight-point lead at the break.
Even as Ireland took the lead at the 50-minute mark, Noah Lolesio’s boot had Australian fans dreaming of a victory for the ages.
Ultimately, Ireland found their winner with eight minutes to go through Gus McCarthy, leaving Wilson gutted after the match.
“We had a lot of opportunities there which we didn't take and we played some really good footy against a quality outfit so that hurts,” he said post-match.
“We felt really positive (at the break). I thought we were defending well for each other, we were working hard and put ourselves in some good positions there to get points
"...They hurt us at the breakdown. Every breakdown was a contest and we couldn't give our nines and our tens to clean ball there which ultimately hurt us.”
The Wallabies end their Spring Tour with a 2-2 record but leave with a reputation and respect that supersedes that record ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour next year.
Talks of a whitewash have been quelled in the Northern Hemisphere as the Australians showed remarkable growth 12 months from their group stages exit at the World Cup.
“We've come a long way this year from where we started from last year to now,” Wilson said.
“It's not the way to finish, but I feel as if as a group we're heading in the right direction.”
Flanker Fraser McReight looms as one of the players who will decide the Wallabies’ chances after a brilliant evening where the breakdown master claimed four turnovers.
“Since July we've seen massive amounts of growth in the squad. I think the boys are really keen for that tour and really excited to be able to test ourselves against the Lions,” he said.
“…We wanted to come here to prove that who we are as a team is what we are. We're a good team and we wanted to show the support back home that we're really trying hard, we’re growing and we're working hard.”
