Australia
James O’Connor 6/10
Club Western Force Caps 17
Always willing to run but wasn’t afforded the same space that he enjoyed in Perth. Ireland had done their homework on him
Drew Mitchell 4/10
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Club NSW Waratahs Caps 44
Another class operator who appeared to be contaminated by the general dross. Basic errors and some bad decision-making
Rob Horne 5/10
Club NSW Waratahs Caps 3
A lively stepper who pounced on O’Leary’s interception but didn’t make it out after the break because of a hamstring strain
Matt Giteau 5/10
Club ACT Brumbies Caps 81
A couple of simple place-kicks in the second half but early miss seemed to affect his confidence. Made uncharacteristic errors
Adam Ashley-Cooper 7/10
Club ACT Brumbies Caps 40
Australia’s most physical back — smashed Sexton in the first half and made one excellent take of the high ball
Quade Cooper 5/10
Club Queensland Reds Caps 14
A class apart, especially with ball in hand, where he seemed to spook the Irish defence. Scored critical try before the break
Ben Daley 6/10
Club Queensland Reds Caps 3
Hard to say whether he has genuinely progressed as a Test scrummager but he made an energetic showing in the loose
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Saia Faingaa 6/10
Club Queensland Reds Caps 4
A busy evening’s work. Basics were up to the mark and he got his hands on the ball wherever possible
Salesi Ma’afu 7/10
Club ACT Brumbies Caps 4
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Given the hammering they took from England, Australia’s scrum dominance was the major bonus for them and he played his part
Dean Mumm 6/10
Club NSW Waratahs Caps 24
Only a fringe player but played with authority and managed to disrupt Ireland’s throw on a few occasions in the first half
Mark Chisholm 5/10
Club ACT Brumbies Caps 51
A 50-cap merchant but didn’t perform with any real authority, twice losing possession because of poor handling
Rocky Elsom 6/10
Club ACT Brumbies Caps 54
Not on top form and possibly in need of a rest but started to find space in the wider channels as the game went on
David Pocock 6/10
Club Western Force Caps 19
The change in breakdown interpretation seems to have reduced his effectiveness, if not his energy. High mileage count
Richard Brown 6/10
Club Western Force Caps 16
Not the biggest number eight and not in the highest class but a hard worker in defence and attack. Twice close to scoring
Replacements
Australia used only two replacements but both Kurtley Beale and James Slipper made their presence felt, even if Beale had some sloppy moments
TOTAL 88/150
Ireland
Rob Kearney 4/10
Club Leinster Caps 25
Poor execution in handling and kicking meant he was hauled off. Not a patch on previous southern hemisphere form
Tommy Bowe 5/10
Club Ospreys Caps 32
Only a poor Kearney pass prevented him from finding open space early in the second half. A rare opportunity to run
Brian O’Driscoll 4/10
Club Leinster Caps 103
Hard to remember the last time he made so many unforced handling errors. Badly in need of a break from the game
Paddy Wallace 5/10
Club Ulster Caps 22
Failed to take full advantage of his call-up. One decent half-break was spoiled by throwing intercept pass
Andrew Trimble 6/10
Club Ulster Caps 29
Once again, showed how much his basic skills have improved with hard work. Just couldn’t get enough ball
Jonathan Sexton 6/10
Club Leinster Caps 8
Five kicks from five made it 14 out of 15 on tour, plus he did what was asked of him in defence
Tomás O’Leary 5/10
Club Munster Caps 18
Phenomenal defensive effort can’t hide the continued deficiencies in his passing game. Almost handed Horne a try
Cian Healy 4/10
Club Leinster Caps 9
Learned again that it’s very hard to have an impact in the loose if you’re having a tough time with the bread and butter stuff
Sean Cronin 5/10
Club Connacht Caps 4
Showed he has a lot to offer but basic technical flaws with his lineout throwing hamstrung his team
Tony Buckley 4/10
Club Munster Caps 19
Just when we hoped he might dominate a scrum, Ireland were the ones in trouble. Collapsed awkwardly before the break
Donncha O’Callaghan 5/10
Club Munster Caps 63
Another hugely committed effort. Tried his best to lead and to carry more often than normal, but still made errors
Mick O’Driscoll 7/10
Club Munster Caps 19
Provided what usable lineout ball Ireland had, worked hard in defence and did his carrying duties. His best game for Ireland
Niall Ronan 6/10
Club Munster Caps 3
Commitment typified by his snaffle of one of Australia’s short restarts. Asked to perform an alien role, he gave everything
Shane Jennings 4/10
Club Leinster Caps 9
Unlucky to be penalised for a good steal under his posts but badly at fault for Cooper’s try and rarely dominated a tackle
Chris Henry 5/10
Club Ulster Caps 1
Will look back and wince at Luke Burgess’ try but was working off a very shaky base. No faulting his commitment
Replacements
Geordan Murphy was an improvement at the back but couldn’t find any gaps. A cap for Rhys Ruddock but replacements failed to have a major impact
TOTAL 75/150