Ireland clinched a narrow 26-23 win over Australia in their Autumn International clash at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
The home side surged into a 17-point advantage inside the opening quarter of an hour following tries from Simon Zebo and Tommy Bowe.
Australia soon got back on level terms though as Nick Phipps added a brace of tries before the break, while Bernard Foley also forced his way over.
Foley and Jonathan Sexton both kicked penalties at the start of the second half, keeping the sides level until the Irish fly-half gave the hosts the lead with 17 minutes to go.
Ireland tried to dominate possession to make sure that the visitors did not get a chance to steal the win in the final few minutes.
Australia started to look dangerous again late on, but the home side held firm to make sure of the victory.
Sian Cowper
