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Ireland vs Australia LIVE: Rugby result and reaction from autumn international as Ireland edge to tight win

Ireland 13-10 Australia: Ross Byrne’s late pressure penalty was enough for the hosts to edge to victory after Bundee Aki got their only try

Luke Baker
Saturday 19 November 2022 17:40 EST
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Johnny Sexton says Ireland will ‘only be the best team by winning’ World Cup

Ross Byrne landed a dramatic late penalty as Ireland overcame the loss of captain Johnny Sexton to cap a stellar year with a disjointed 13-10 win over Australia. Replacement fly-half Byrne nailed a difficult kick from wide on the right with just three minutes remaining in Dublin to earn Ireland a record-equalling 12th successive home victory.

Andy Farrell’s men struggled for large parts of a disappointing contest and could easily have ended 2022 with a serious reality check against opponents beaten by Italy just last weekend.

Ireland centre Bundee Aki marked his return from an eight-game ban with the opening try but the game remained in the balance in the closing stages after Jordan Petaia crossed for the Wallabies.

A difficult evening for the Irish began with talisman Sexton withdrawing through injury, with his deputy Jack Crowley booting five points on his maiden Test start before Byrne, who was elevated to the bench at the 11th hour, proving to be the match-winner.

Relive the action from the autumn international between Ireland and Australia below:

PENALTY! ENGLAND 6-17 New Zealand (Marcus Smith penalty, 42 minutes)

Smith strikes cleanly through the back of the ball.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:33

England 3-17 New Zealand, 41 minutes

New Zealand hoist Brodie Retallick to take the restart, which tumbles down just outside the New Zealand 22.

Joy right away for England - a breakdown penalty won by Tom Curry. Owen Farrell looks towards the posts, but he won’t be the one to kick it - that leg issue is sufficiently bothersome to necessitate a switch of kicker to Marcus Smith, who is also very proficient from the tee.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:32

Second half

Owen Farrell doesn’t appear to be moving totally freely, but the England captain has the ball in his hands and is ready to restart the action.

It looks like the 46 who started the match remain for the start of the second 40 mintues. Off we go!

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:31

H/T: England 3-17 New Zealand

Will Eddie Jones stick or twist? We’ll see if Owen Farrell’s leg is anything more than just some discomfort, but England’s midfield hasn’t quite clicked so far. Jones has both Guy Porter and Henry Slade on the bench - might there also be merit in moving Freddie Steward to the wing to counter New Zealand’s cross-kick heavy strategy? Slade performed impressively at full back off the bench last week, admittedly in very different circumstances.

More of the same will suit New Zealand. It’s been good from the All Blacks so far. The players are beginning to make their way back out there.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:30

H/T: England 3-17 New Zealand

It’s been a pretty difficult half for Jack van Poortvliet. New Zealand look to have targeted the scrum-half, with their loose forwards hard up around the corner and in his face whenever they can, and England not doing a great job at protecting their nine.

This, though, was not entirely Van Poortvliet’s fault. England started that tail pod so far back that it telegraphed a back ball, with only one passing option. A smart plucking with the tweezers from Dalton Papali’i, and New Zealand were away.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:25

H/T: England 3-17 New Zealand

England are rather fortunate not to be further behind after a first half which the All Blacks largely controlled. New Zealand have looked dangerous every time they’ve had the ball, using their physicality in the tight to knock England back and force errors which have come rather too readily for Eddie Jones’ liking.

The hosts squandered their two best chances deep in New Zealand territory and, having promised an energetic start, the manner in which the opening try was surrendered to Dalton Papali’i will not please Jones at all.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:22

HALF TIME! ENGLAND 3-17 NEW ZEALAND

(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:19

PENALTY! England 3-17 NEW ZEALAND (Jordie Barrett penalty, 41 minutes)

Jordie Barrett closes the half with three more New Zealand points.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:18

England 3-14 New Zealand, 40 minutes

The England captain had been down clutching his leg early in that passage of play, but rejoined his teammates in the line, and it looks like he will continue.

Sam Whitelock points to the posts.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:16

England 3-14 New Zealand, 39 minutes

New Zealand’s attack is sharp and intricate, England battling to recover as New Zealand repearedly win the gainline. Mark Telea shakes off Van Poortvliet’s attentions and Richie Mo’unga twice steps out of tckles to keep the momentum building.

A penalty coming, but the All Blacks fancy more. Space on the left - dropped cold by Jordie Barrett! Aaron Smith’s pass was almost too sharp, hitting the inside centre before he’d properly readied himself with the line seemingly at his mercy.

England survive, but New Zealand will have that penalty. And Owen Farrell is down receiving treatment...

Harry Latham-Coyle19 November 2022 18:14

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