A general view of the Aviva Stadium before the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)
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A general view of the stadium ahead of the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)
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Ireland edge Wallabies in thriller
Ireland claimed their second Southern Hemisphere scalp of the month with a 26-23 victory over Australia in a thrilling clash in Dublin on Saturday.
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Rob Kearney of Ireland tries to tackle Israel Folau of Australia during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)
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Paul O'Connell of Ireland in action during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)
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The hosts were outscored three tries to two by the Wallabies but another incredible performance on defence - as was the case against the Springboks - was at the origin of a memorable win.
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One of the best first-halves of international rugby seen anywhere this year came to an end with the scores locked at 20-all.
It was breathtaking stuff as both sides impressed. Australia's ability to offload in the tackle kept the ball alive while the hosts' tactical execution was out of the top drawer.
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Conor Murrray of Ireland in action during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)
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Simon Zebo of Ireland is tackled by Matt Toomua of Australia during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)
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An amazing first half-hour that featured five tries saw Ireland race to a 17-0 lead inside 15 minutes only for Australia to fight back and draw level.
Man of the Match: Too many candidates to mention them all but Sexton was outstanding again. Paul O'Connell was immense however, leading by example in a towering defensive display
Moment of the Match: Plenty of highlights but Zebo's try in the opening minutes typified Ireland's performance. It was a perfect example of grabbing a half-chance with clinical efficiency and set the tone for the rest of the Irish display
Villain of the Match: If you're Irish, TMO Eric Gauzins's interpretation of what constitutes a forward pass is debatable.
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Peter O'Mahony of Ireland is tackled by Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)
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Conor Murrray of Ireland is tackled by Luke Jones. of Australia during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)
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next test:
29 Nov
England v Australia
Twickenham
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