Max Jorgensen goes over for a first-half try as the Wallabies went down 22-19 to Ireland. -AP
Joe Schmidt's emotional return to Dublin has fallen agonisingly flat as Ireland edged his Wallabies 22-19 to provide a sobering end to what had begun as such a promising northern tour odyssey.
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Back at his old Aviva Stadium stamping ground where he led Ireland to so much European glory over six heady years, Schmidt's valiant side just couldn't quite spoil the Irish Rugby Football Union's 150th anniversary celebrations on Saturday (Sunday AEDT)
But the Wallabies came so close, highlighted by a stirring performance in defence, a fine try for Max Jorgensen, and 14 points from the boot of Noah Lolesio highlighting their display after they'd earlier opened up a 10-0 lead.
Taniela Tupou on an intercept break that led to an Australia penalty. (AP PHOTO)
Still, on an emotional day for the Irish with veteran replacement Cian Healy becoming their most capped player of all-time with his 134th appearance, the world's No.2 side were not to be denied as they won deservedly with three tries from Josh van der Flier, captain Caelan Doris and substitute prop Gus McCarthy.Â
Always a tall order to down a side that had won 21 of its last 22 matches at their Aviva Stadium stronghold, the three-point defeat meant Australia finished their November tour with two terrific wins, over England and Wales, followed by defeats in Scotland and Ireland.
