'Fall back in love': Former Wallabies react to tight defeat to Ireland

The Wallabies ended their end-of-year Northern tour campaign with a narrow 22-19 defeat at the hands of world number two-ranked Ireland in Dublin.

For large parts of Australia’s 2024 campaign, they have showcased improvement under Joe Schmidt, and signs of hope ahead of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour.

A late Gus McCarthy try ended Joe Schmidt’s return to Aviva Stadium in Dublin where he coached Ireland for six years.

Former Wallabies Tim Horan and Justin Harrison were both impressed with Australia’s performance at the Aviva Stadium, despite leading the game with just under eight minutes to go.

“We should be so proud of this Wallabies team, and what they’ve done in the last four weeks, especially in the first two weeks, winning against England, win against Wales, they have re-engaged not everyone, but they’ve re-engaged a lot of people to fall back in love with rugby,” said Horan on the Stan Sport panel after Ireland’s victory.

 “I think the way that the Wallabies started that first half, they’d be really proud and excited how they bend the defensive line on this Irish team, Max Jorgensen scoring the try after sort of 19 minutes, and then they’ve got a couple of penalty goals. They probably needed a bit more of a lead at the half-time break.”

Harrison, the 34-Test former Wallabies forward was proud of the way the Wallabies held their own on the end-of-year tour.

“There’s pride at least in seeing the way the Wallabies performed today. When you see the Wallabies team take the field, you want to see some ingredients. You imagine what you would do if you wore that gold jersey, honesty, intelligence, toughness, hard work for your teammates,” said Harrison. 

“All of those ingredients were on display for the Wallaby team that pushed this Irish side.”

Former Wallabies midfielder Horan, highlighted Ireland’s grit and determination as to why they are one of the best international teams in the world.

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“It was a cracking test match, and that second half from Ireland was outstanding. That’s why they’re the number two ranked nation in the world, just the way they have composure and are very well coached,” said Horan on Ireland’s performance at Aviva Stadium.

Harrison also gave credit to Andy Farrell’s side, who dominated the possession and territory throughout the 80 minutes.

“This Irish side is a very, very good side in Dublin. At the end of a long tour for the Wallabies, that is an outstanding performance from them. We are bitterly disappointed by the loss so close to just the weight of possession.”