Ireland edge Australia 33-31 after late Sydney penalty miss

Ireland beat Australia 33-31 in Sydney after Ben Donaldson missed a long-range penalty with the clock already in the red. Tom Clarkson’s 77th-minute try, converted by Sam Prendergast, proved to be the decisive score in a comeback bonus-point win.

Australia had led by five at half-time after tries from Dylan Pietsch, Jock Campbell, Josh Canham and Ryan Lonergan, with Tate McDermott adding another after the break. Ireland kept themselves in range through Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park before Hugo Keenan and Clarkson completed the visitors’ five-try return.

The result came despite Ireland dealing with several absences, including Mack Hansen, Caelan Doris and Jack Crowley. Their back-three options were further stretched shortly before kick-off when Rob Baloucoune was ruled out with a hamstring injury and Jimmy O’Brien came into the side.

Australia will rue two late missed opportunities from Donaldson, while Ireland can take encouragement from finding a way through a difficult second half. Ireland’s next listed fixture is against Japan in Newcastle, Australia, on 11 July, while Australia are due to host France.