Mack Hansen starred in an exceptional first half, scoring three tries that propelled Ireland to a historic 46-19 victory over Australia in Dublin.
Hansen, born in Canberra, played as fullback for the first time in a test match and celebrated his return from a foot injury with three tries in the first 28 minutes, delighting the crowd at the Aviva Stadium.
Caelan Doris, Ryan Baird, and Robbie Henshaw’s tries in the second half secured coach Andy Farrell’s triumph over former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt.
Australia stayed within five points at halftime thanks to tries from Len Ikitau and Fraser McReight, and managed a late consolation with Billy Pollard.
However, Ireland deserved the victory before completing their autumn home campaign against the world champions, South Africa, next weekend.
Opening fly-half Sam Prendergast added seven points, including a drop goal, for the dominant hosts, before his replacement, Jack Crowley, scored nine more.Mack Hansen celebra un try después de anotar un hat trick en la primera mitad durante la victoria de Irlanda sobre Australia.Farrell’s team, with nine changes from the victory over Japan last week, was rewarded for its fast start on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
Hansen scored twice in the first 11 minutes, diving under the posts after receiving a pass from Stuart McCloskey following a quick penalty, and then after collecting a pass from Prendergast.
Australia, which suffered a shocking defeat against Italy last week, responded when center Ikitau outpaced Prendergast.
Hansen, whose mother is from Cork, further punished his country, scoring on the right wing after Prendergast’s cross-pass was brought down by Tommy O’Brien.
However, the Wallabies were only losing 19-14 at halftime, as flanker McReight scored in the last play of the first half.
Ireland had struggled to excite with their performances this month and would have been eager to secure greater control of the scoreboard.
After hooker Dan Sheehan was held up on the line, Prendergast managed a drop goal from distance before providing an assist for O’Brien, which was ruled out for a knock on.
Crowley, instead of the impressive Prendergast, scored a penalty to extend the score to 25-14.
Captain Doris scored at the end of sustained pressure, with Crowley adding a complicated conversion.
Australia was forced to play the last 10 minutes with one man less after substitute Nick Frost was cautioned for a high tackle on Tom Clarkson.
Despite the Wallabies’ numerical disadvantage, replacement hooker Pollard scored to reduce the gap.
But Ireland responded twice to seal an emphatic victory, with Baird scoring and Henshaw running down the left after being released by a sensational kick from Jamison Gibson-Park.
