Ireland denied Australia a winning finish to their 2024 season, grinding out a hard-fought 22-19 victory in front of a passionate Dublin crowd. The Wallabies put in a herculean defensive effort but ultimately fell just short, concluding their four-match tour with a 2-2 record and finishing the year with six wins and seven losses.
Wallabies Show Promising Signs Despite Defeat
While the Australians would have dearly loved to break their Dublin drought, their performances over the past month have given fans plenty of reason for optimism. The defensive resolve and attacking flair shown against England, Wales, and now Ireland suggest the Wallabies are building nicely towards next year’s monumental British & Irish Lions series.
Heroic Defense Not Quite Enough
Australia’s Herculean defensive effort kept them in the contest throughout, with flanker Fraser McReight leading the resistance at the breakdown. The visitors took a surprise 13-5 lead into halftime thanks to a try from wing Max Jorgensen and the sharp boot of Noah Lolesio.
The grit that our boys showed was really impressive. They got off the line and defended for long phases.
– Australia coach Joe Schmidt
But as the match wore on, Ireland’s relentless territorial dominance began to take its toll. Second-half tries to Caelan Doris and Gus McCarthy ultimately proved the difference, consigning the gallant Wallabies to a narrow defeat.
Building Blocks in Place for Lions Challenge
While a 6-7 season record may not look impressive on paper, the Wallabies have undoubtedly made significant strides in 2024 under coach Joe Schmidt. Young stars like Fraser McReight, Noah Lolesio and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have announced themselves on the world stage, while established players such as Rob Valetini and Len Ikitau have gone to another level.
With an attractive, efficient playing style and strong leadership from new captain Harry Wilson, Australia have put the disastrous Eddie Jones era behind them and laid a solid platform to build from in 2025. The Lansdowne Cup may have eluded their grasp this time, but the future looks bright for a Wallabies side on the rise.
We just got to keep rolling, keep working.
– Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight
Key Takeaways from Ireland vs Australia
- Ireland grind out hard-fought 22-19 win in Dublin
- Australia finish 2024 season with 6-7 record
- Wallabies’ defensive heroics not quite enough
- Promising signs for Australia ahead of 2025 Lions tour
- Fraser McReight, Noah Lolesio impress in gallant defeat
As the curtain falls on an enthralling year of international rugby, all eyes now turn to 2025 and the eagerly-awaited British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. Based on the tenacity and skill they’ve shown in 2024, the Wallabies will fancy their chances of ending a 24-year drought against the famous touring side. One thing’s for certain – it promises to be an epic battle for the ages.
