WATCH: Ireland level series and set up Sydney showdown

Australia 21-26 Ireland

Ireland produced a much improved and more dominant performance in Melbourne this morning to level the series at 1-1 and set up a titanic battle in Sydney next Saturday morning.

The tries came from Munster’s Andrew Conway and Leinster’s Tadhg Furlong while Johnny Sexton, returning at fly-half, was on form with the boot with 6/7 off the tee and accounting for 16 points.

The win broke a 39-year drought for Ireland, who last beat the Wallabies on Australia soil back in 1979.

Australia pulled back to within striking distance after a 78th-minute try by Taniela Tupou but a fully deserving Ireland were not to be denied.

The home side got off the the perfect start when Kurtley Beale collected a pop pass from Bernard Foley and cut through the heart of the Irish defence to touch down beside the posts after 83 seconds to finish off a brilliant attacking move.

Stung by the opening defensive lapse, Ireland set about replying and when Australian wing Marika Koroibete was binned by referee Paul Williams for a tip tackle on Rob Kearney, it gave Ireland a numerical edge.

From the resulting penalty, Ireland found touch and set up a lineout maul. With advantage signalled, Murray took the ball off the back of the maul and lofted a pass wide to Andrew Conway who dived over in the corner for a fine try which Sexton converted to level proceedings.

Mitsubishi Estate Series 2nd Test, AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia 16/6/2018
Australia vs Ireland. Ireland’s Andrew Conway scores his sides first try. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Ireland were in top in most positions throughout the half while Australian discipline was fast becoming an issue with three Sexton penalties between the 13th and 22nd minute opened up a nine point gap.

A rare foray up field from the Wallabies produced a penalty try after Cain Healy was adjudged to have pulled down a maul which prevented a probable try. Healy was off to the bin for ten minutes as the score line now read Australia 14-16 Ireland heading into the break.

Ireland were much improved from last weekend on both sides of he ball and set about seizing the initiative once again in the second half. On 53 minutes, Keith Earls looked to have scored a superb try in the corner but it was chalked off for a knock on in the act of grounding.

The referee was playing a penalty advantage so the play would come back. Ireland kicked to the corner and piled more pressure of the Australians from the five metre lineout.

Munster’s Conor Murray found Tadhg Furling who ran over Nick Phipps to touch down from close range. Sexton converted and Ireland extended the lead to 12 points –  a lead they fully warranted.

A 74th minute indiscretion from Jack McGrath – who just couldn’t resist the lure of illegally knocking he ball out of Nick Phipps hands – saw the prop sinbinned.

From the next attack, replacement prop Taniela Tupou ground his way over the line for an Australian try to make it 26-21 and ensure a nervy last five minutes.

Ireland would have to withstand one last Australian onslaught with the home side having to run the ball from deep inside their own half. They reached halfway before knocking the ball forward shortly after the full-time hooter sounded.

Roll on next weekend and an eagerly anticipated final and deciding test in Sydney.