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How Wallabies' grand slam bid was sunk

The Wallabies have fallen 27-24 to Ireland to suffer their first loss on this Spring Tour and sink their grand slam bid.

HOW IRELAND SANK THE WALLABIES' GRAND SLAM CAMPAIGN

Result: Ireland defeated Australia 27-24

Key statistic: 13-3. The penalty count finished heavily in Ireland's favour and was comfortably the biggest statistical difference between the sides. Australia's second-half surge came off the back of an evening out of possession, but they continued to fall foul with referee Jerome Garces. The visitors also had two players, Dean Mumm and Bernard Foley, sent to the sin bin.

Man of the match: Ireland's Josh van der Flier was the best on ground, coming in as a game-day replacement for star flanker Sean O'Brien and dominating Australia at the breakdown. For the Wallabies, Israel Folau was typically industrious and dangerous.

Quote: "You can't win a Test match if you're giving away that many penalties or that big a difference between the two teams. Impossible." Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was unimpressed by the disparity in the penalty count.

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Injuries: Winger Henry Speight came off with a concussion and will be assessed throughout the week.

What's next for Wallabies? With a grand slam dream shattered, Australia will have to pick themselves up for one final Test for 2016. While their main goal is gone, there's still always plenty to play for between the Wallabies and England so there's no danger of them taking this week lightly.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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