So close, but then again, so far.
Against Ireland at the Aviva for the third time in a row, the Wallabies are just three points behind their opponents after losing 22-19 to end the 2024 campaign.
There was no prize money for second place, but the Wallabies received a little more respect for their gallant efforts in Dublin, where Ireland dominated territory (74%) and possession (59%).
The Wallabies attempted a line break but were only successful once in their attempt to advance.
On one occasion, when Taniela Tupou was released, the Wallabies were awarded three points despite the giant tighthead propelling an unnecessary offload that ended up being blocked.
Another brilliant combination from Nick Frost and Harry Wilson in the first half saw the Wallabies back on the goal line, but there is no doubt Joe Schmidt would have wanted more in return in attack.
Nonetheless, considering the Wallabies’ situation 12 months ago, there is no doubt that they have made another step forward despite not winning.
So what was the evaluation of the players?
Ireland’s Cian Healy celebrates a late win against the Wallabies at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Tom Wright – 6.5
Wright, one of the Wallabies’ biggest threats, performed well with few chances. He will have been hoping his kick didn’t go into the goal area behind the Ireland defense after Frost’s line break. We did our best in defense, but an attempted steal in the 28th minute probably prevented the Wallabies from scoring.
Andrew Calloway – 5
Kellaway, who was beaten on the outside a few times, tended to recover well and wasn’t fazed by the defense. Indeed, he recovered just in time to tackle Ireland full-back Hugo Keegan five minutes from time. Another great tackle on Keegan followed in the 16th minute, followed by another tackle on James Lowe. But he allowed Josh van der Flier to get under him to score Ireland’s opener. We made several mistakes in attack, including in the 25th and 35th minutes of the first half.
Joseph-August Souali – 6
Suaalii, with his strong defense, scored several big shots in defense against Keegan in the 47th minute. While in attack, he helped win possession up and down Jake Gordon, which led to the Wallabies’ opening try. However, one poor pass allowed Ireland to gain possession at the death, leaving them embarrassed until the end.
Ren Ikitau – 6.5
Another reasonable day at Ikitau’s office. The outside center barely took a step wrong.
Max Jorgensen – 6
After receiving a harsh penalty for pushing his back in the 10th minute, Jorgensen scored the Wallabies’ opening try. He is also good at defending, showing he has the physical ability to challenge for international rugby. Take a look at Robbie Henshaw’s attempted shot from the edge in the 68th minute.
Noah Rolecio – 7
Another solid performance from the rising fly-half. Lolesio has become increasingly comfortable running the Wallabies’ show. After recovering well from an early knock, he navigated the line and was safe under a high ball in the backfield. He was also perfect off the kick tee, including a long-range goal and another conversion from the sideline.
Jake Gordon – 5
To relieve the pressure, we attacked a scrap from a lineout in the 37th minute. Gordon was on edge with the whole thing, but he also felt frustrated at times after the Irish upset.
Harry Wilson – 6.5
Unfortunately, we were not able to get rolling at the start of the second half and got pinged. Wilson was tireless all over the park and his links play was once again a feature. The Wallabies captain is growing onto the international stage.
Fraser McWright at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 30 November 2024. (Photo credit: David Rogers/Getty Images)
Fraser McWright – 8
The Wallabies’ best, although McReight was pinged once or twice at the breakdown, the openside flanker also had two penalties at the breakdown and also had a clean steal. His support play was also seen when he backed up Frost and Wilson after a line break in the 30th minute.
Rob Ballettini – 7.5
Physically impressive, Valetini was excellent on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately he was also penalized for leading with his arm after the Wallabies’ conversion attempt. The breach prompted Ireland to make the first attempt. Later, Valetini was pinged when it broke down.
Jeremy Williams – 6.5
A solid change from the second row, Williams was substituted after 59 minutes but was faultless all over the park.
Nick Frost – 7.5
Another strong player for Dublin, Frost continues to improve, which is no surprise considering this is only his third year of international rugby. Frost was excellent at the lineout and put Wilson in an excellent hole early on. His one flaw was leaking dropkick restarts.
Nick Frost was one of the Wallabies’ best players against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo credit: David Rogers/Getty Images)
Daniel Tupou – 6.5
Another roller coaster ride at Tupou, the Giant Propeller Interception was truly beautiful. Unfortunately, he also handed the ball back and it was overturned. Tupou didn’t get the pay he wanted from the scrum, but his work rate increased and this was evidenced by two tackles in the space of 10 seconds until half-time.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 6.5
A solid change up front, Paenga-Amosa’s biggest improvement has been in his lineout pitching. After missing the target on several occasions last weekend, the hooker looked solid.
James Sleeper – 6
In the absence of Angus Bell, the Slippers have had their best performances of the year. The veteran irresponsible prop was busy across the park and his work rate was excellent. Slippers were unlucky not to have been awarded an on-ball penalty in the 37th minute, and conceded a penalty kick in a scrum three minutes later.
reserve
Billy Pollard – 5
Provided an on-ball threat and hit the target at line-out times.
Isaac Kylia – 6.5
As the Wallabies’ best off the bench, Kailea’s ball-carrying ability was outstanding in tight spaces.
Alan Alaalato – 6
Another is to come in after 45 minutes and provide a strong work pace.
Lucan Salakaia-Loto – 5
There are no highlights, but it’s solid enough.
Gleason Sky – N/A
Late for Valetini.
Tate McDermott – 5
There were one or two good moments but no chance to get the Wallabies on the back foot in the final 20 minutes.
Thane Edmed – N/A
He was at the scene for just a few minutes before suffering a blow to the head in a tackle.
Harry Potter – N/A
In the final minutes, another man entered the fray.
