Following Ireland’s 46-19 victory over the Wallabies at the Aviva Stadium, here’s our key winners and losers from the end-of-year Test in Dublin.
Winners
Mack Hansen
Born and raised in Australia but now playing for Ireland, his performance will leave the Wallabies fans thinking what could have been. Hansen took the headlines for his hat-trick but his all-round display was outstanding as the 27-year-old starred after shifting from wing to full-back.
Hansen’s opening two tries were almost carbon copies of each other as Ireland brilliantly manipulated the Australian defence to open the space, but the lines he took should not be underestimated.
Sam Prendergast
The debate over the 10 shirt will continue but, on this evidence, Prendergast should retain it for the Springboks clash. Andy Farrell could possibly prefer Jack Crowley’s greater defensive solidity as it was all too easy for Len Ikitau to break through the Leinsterman for his try, but everything else was absolutely exceptional from the fly-half.
It was arguably Ireland’s greatest attacking performance since Johnny Sexton retired, with Prendergast very much to the fore, as they cut through the Wallabies’ defence with regularity. The 22-year-old has his detractors but Saturday’s effort was superb and could be enough for him to take the shirt for the Six Nations.
Andy Farrell
Has taken a bit of flak over the past 12 months, particularly over his refusal to bring through younger players. That argument is valid but, ultimately, only results and performances matter, and Saturday’s clash will silence the doubters.
There are also signs of some squad development with Tommy O’Brien cementing the right wing spot, Paddy McCarthy starting at loosehead and Ryan Baird excelling at blindside and seemingly locking down that position for the foreseeable future.
Tom Hooper
Along with Rob Valetini, who also deserves a mention, they were the only Wallabies to really produce performances of note. Hooper has enjoyed a fine season and has become a key part of the Australian squad this year.
The back five forward’s incredible work-rate, allied by his physicality at close quarters and ability in the lineout, makes him a fine Test operator. Unfortunately, too many of his team-mates just didn’t reach his level in Dublin.
Caelan Doris
Has only just returned from a lengthy injury but they would have wanted a bit more from the captain in the first half. However, once Doris moved to number eight, he was outstanding, showing why he was favourite to be British and Irish Lions captain before his injury. It was a timely return to form, particularly with the back-to-back world champions looming.