Ireland v Wallabies wrap

Tue, Sep 20, 2016, 10:28 AM
RS
by Rupa Staff
Ireland v Wallabies wrap
Ireland v Wallabies wrap

Words by Tom Connor

The Wallabies suffered their second loss in as many games on the weekend, falling to the Six Nations Champions in a three-point thriller. In what was arguably the best game they’ve played all tour, the Wallabies still found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard following the full time whistle. Trailing 17-0 after as many minutes, the Wallabies showed great tenacity to claw their way back to a level pegging by the break.

If the first half was frenetic, the second was much more dour, as both sides turned to the boot to try and close out the match. It was the Irish who would prevail however, as Johnny Sexton ensured the home side would claim their second Southern Hemisphere scalp of the Spring Tour.

The win was so overwhelming that Irish Coach Joe Schmidt found himself in hospital following the encounter with a suspected case of appendicitis.

Ahead of their massive clash against the old foe, mother England, we take a look back at who impressed us in the Wallabies fourth Spring Tour match.

Nick Phipps - @Fanga9

Nick Phipps has been in career best form since making the move back to his home state at the beginning of the year, and it looks like that isn’t about to change anytime soon. The man they call ‘Fanga’ produced another standout display on the weekend that saw him bag a brace and give the final (wobbly) pass to set up another.

After throwing the intercept that led to an early Tommy Bowe try, Phipps responded with a stunning individual effort that will be featuring on evening highlight reels around the Rugby world.

The second came in quick succession, with Fanga running a brilliant support line as his partner in crime Bernard Foley bust through the Irish defence. A simple draw and pass was enough as Nick showed a clean pair of heels on his way to the try line and his fourth Test try.

The Wallabies will be hoping that Phipps and Foley can continue their lethal combination this week, with the English coming off a 28-9 win against a passionate Samoan side.

Henry Speight

Finally making his Test debut, Henry Speight produced a dominant display in a match that he will remember for the rest of his life. Renowned for his attacking flair and brute strength, Henry came within inches of marking his first cap with some meat after taking a pin point cross field kick from Foley. Only a textbook Rob Kearney tackle prevented the Fijian Flyer from bagging his first five pointer in Wallaby gold.

Running on to one of the most famous Rugby stadiums in the world, it might come as a surprise to learn that this wasn’t Henry’s first time in Ireland. The last time the Bro-with-the-Fro was in the Emerald Isle he was representing the Fijian U19’s at the Junior World Championships. Ironically, Henry found himself playing against now teammates Rob Simmons, James Hanson and Ben McCalman who were all representing Australia.

Seven years on and Henry has traded in his white jersey for a green and gold one, doing it proud as he played a significant part in setting up the Wallabies third try.

One of the most humble players running around today, Henry will shave his hair upon his return from Spring Tour after recently raising well above his goal of $10,000 for ‘Walk On, Walk Strong’, a Fijian foundation which supports children with cancer. Stay tuned to watch as the highest donator will be handed the clippers to rid Henry of his two-year-old ‘fro.

Matt Toomua

Matt Toomua was recalled to the starting line up in place of Brumbies teammate and good friend Christian Lealiifano this week and he was looking to make the most of the opportunity.

The powerful number 12 looked right at home in the midfield and didn’t take a backward step against some fierce Irish defence. He quickly put to bed any signs of rustiness despite the match being his first in almost two months following a series of concussions sustained during The Rugby Championship.

Teaming up with fellow Brumbies star Tevita Kuridrani, the pair brought a physical edge to a Wallabies offence that was in an unforgiving mood.

Showing his value with a number of powerful runs up the middle of the field, Matt ensured the Wallabies were constantly on the front foot and well over the advantage line. The highlight of the match for Toomua came when he set up Nick Phipps’ second try with a daft inside ball to his Fly Half, who then unleashed the former Sevens star in to open space.

The Wallabies have one final stop on their European adventure, coming up against the English in what will arguably be their toughest Test yet. It’s been a mixed bag for the hosts, who have pushed the Springboks and the All Blacks all the way and will no doubt be looking to knock off one of the Southern Hemisphere’s big three before the end of the year.

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