British & Irish Lions
• British & Irish Lions tour Australia in 2013
Ireland Rugby
Irish deliver a shock to Australia
The Dubai Sevens tournament is currently underway and there was a shock result this morning when Ireland beat Australia. The sevens format of the game is great as it really does provide for a level playing field, but this aside, it was clear that the Irish simply outplayed their Australian competitors.
The Irish were keen to redeem themselves after they lost their opening game to Samoa yesterday and when the half time whistle went they were 17-7 up against Australia. But it is important to never underestimate the Australians and they came back guns blazing in the second half.
The game was a try fest with seven tries scored all together and there was a good rate of conversion which meant that the points were added up thick and fast. Eventually the Irish managed to outclass Australia with some tenacious play and determination. This is a great victory for the Sevens team and perhaps a sign of things to come from them during the next season.
IRELAND: Eoghan Grace (Shannon – Munster), James Coughlan (Dolphin – Munster), Paul Marshall (Belfast Harlequins – Ulster), Felix Jones (Old Belvedere – Leinster), Brian Carney (Clonakilty – Munster), Brian Tuohy (Cornish Pirates), Tom Gleeson (Cork Constitution – Munster).
Replacements: Kyle Tonetti (Blackrock College – Leinster), Kieran Campbell (Galwegians – Connacht), Conan Doyle (Garryowen – Munster), Daniel Riordan (Buccaneers – Connacht), Gary Brown (Blackrock College – Leinster).
AUSTRALIA: Henry Vanderglas, Damon Murphy, Luke Morahan, Richard Kingi, Jono Jenkins, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Ed Jenkins.
Replacements: William Brock, Ben Coridas, Brian Sefanaia, Shaun Foley, William Bishop.
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)