Jimmy O'Brien, Ross Byrne, Hugo Keenan and Josh Van der Flier celebrate after the final whistle. Image: Ben Brady/INPHO ANDY FARRELL LIKES a bit of chaos. It’s when he finds out which players he can count on and who shrinks under the spotlight.
And how about Jack Crowley? This day three weeks ago, the 22-year-old was an A squad player. Tonight he started at 10 against the Wallabies, bumped up from the bench after Johnny Sexton tweaked his calf in the warm-up. It happened so quickly that Crowley took the field wearing a jersey that had Sexton’s name stitched on it.
Ireland’s attack has been transformed over the last 12-18 months but tonight they had to be patient against a Wallabies team who brought plenty of physicality, slowed their ball and offered few easy ins. It’s another valuable experience in the bank, just like the win over the Springboks. Play with patience, take your chances when they come.For large parts of the game it didn’t click, the Ireland half-backs struggling for air in the face of intense Wallaby pressure.
Another kick to the corner brought the crowd back into the game. Ireland powered forward with a strong carry from the excellent Caelan Doris. The ball was moved inside to Aki, who had the strength to finish the move – a moment he’s been waiting all month for.