Johnny Watterson runs the rule over Ireland’s performance in the narrow victory over Australia
13. Garry Ringrose
Big defensive effort in the first half. Did well especially picking loose men and aligning the defence when Australia went wide. Not much space to sniff forward ball in hand.Again his physical presence is a benefit especially in the first 40 with Ireland mostly in their 22. Could have been more dynamic in stop-start match.Showed enterprise with his cross-field runs and startled the Australian defence a few times. One of Ireland’s lively players. Not a game for the backline to shine.
Showed that he was not overawed with the late call-up. Difficult to be dropped in and he did nothing wrong. Shaping the game is another step. Steep learning curve for him.Again gets Ireland ticking although not much of that in a defensive first half. Was aggressively targeted by Australia and has the wounds to show in a fractured game.Heavy workload in the first half. Tackling and carried with strength and mobility. Part of big D especially in the first half.