DUBLIN — Andy Farrell, the head coach of the Ireland rugby team, is set to join the British and Irish Lions shortly after achieving a tight victory against Australia, the team he plans to face on next year’s tour.
On Saturday, in a match held in Dublin, substitute hooker Gus McCarthy secured the decisive try by diving onto the ball at the back of a rolling maul, leading Ireland to a 22-19 win. This triumph ensured that the celebration of 150 years of Irish rugby remained joyous, free from the upset of a Wallabies victory.
Joe Schmidt, coach of the Australian side, faced disappointment in his return to Dublin as his team concluded their European tour with consecutive losses. The Wallabies leave with victories against England and Wales but will need to regroup after suffering defeats to Scotland and Ireland, especially with Farrell’s Lions scheduled to visit in June, indicating much work lies ahead for the team.
Australia initially held a lead at halftime, 13-5, thanks to a try from winger Max Jorgenson and eight points accrued from the kicking efforts of Noah Lolesio.
However, Ireland bounced back in the second half to secure their fourth consecutive victory over Australia. Team captain Caelan Doris expanded Ireland’s score with a try, following the earlier score from Josh van der Flier. McCarthy then clinched the match with his try in the 73rd minute, sealing the win for the home team.