Ireland has caused a huge upset in the Rugby World Cup by beating one of the tournament favourites Australia by 15 points to 6 in a thrilling encounter.
All Ireland’s points came from the boot as the Australians found it difficult to get their famed running game going, so good was the Irish defence that Australia did not score a point in the second half.
The Irish pack caused problems for the Australians who were put under pressure at the scrum throughout.
Early nerves saws both sides miss kickable opportunities but it was Australia who drew first blood after 12 minutes with three points from Beale.
Ireland hit back quickly when a Jonathan Sexton penalty levelled the scores. Moments later Ireland took the lead when the same player aimed a drop goal between the posts.
An Australia penalty saw the teams finish the half six points apiece.
Another Sexton penalty nine minutes into the second half saw Ireland take a lead they never surrendered. Two more penalties from O’Gara saw Ireland stretch their lead to nine points and despite some incredible pressure from Australia that’s where the scores finished.
Right at the end Ireland could have sealed their win with a try but Tommy Bowe was brought down one metre from the try line after running an intercept the length of the pitch.
Australia will be disappointed at losing and the result leaves them without even the consolation of a bonus point. They could now find themselves up against either New Zealand or South Africa in the knockout stages.
The win for Ireland opens up the group and the Irish could find themselves rewarded with a tie against Wales in the next round.
