Ireland delivered its most complete performance in more than a year and surged past Australia 46-19 at the Aviva Stadium, a result that sends Ireland into next week’s clash with the Springboks with renewed belief and an unmistakable edge. 

What began as a frantic, end-to-end contest tightened briefly, before Ireland produced a second half that blended precision, power and a level of attacking clarity that has eluded the Irish squad since its win in Durban in July 2024.

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Leading 19-14 at the interval, Ireland initially looked vulnerable as Australia returned with energy and a stiff headwind at their backs. 

Mack Hansen, flawless in the first half, spilt a high ball early, inviting pressure. Yet Australia failed to capitalize, Dan Sheehan denying Harry Potter with a brilliant hold up that kept the game tilted Ireland’s way.

From there, the hosts settled and began pulling away. 

A disallowed try in the 61st minute offered only a brief reprieve for the Wallabies, before Jack Crowley, on for an excellent Sam Prendergast, stretched the lead with a penalty. 

The gaps widened further moments later. 

Patient phase play drew in tired Australian defenders, and Caelan Doris, superb all evening, powered through two tacklers for Ireland’s fourth try. Crowley drilled the conversion from the touchline to extend the margin.

Australia refused to fold, hitting back through Billy Pollard after Ireland’s forwards were caught narrow, but the response merely sparked a ruthless Irish finish. 

Bundee Aki blasted through the Wallabies midfield on 77 minutes, before Ryan Baird finished on the next phase, capping a run of 10 consecutive Irish line-out wins that underpinned the entire performance.

The final flourish came three minutes from time. 

Ireland stretched the field with back-to-back cross-field kicks, first Crowley to Ronan Kelleher on the right, then Jamison Gibson-Park to Robbie Henshaw on the left. 

Henshaw collected cleanly and dived in to push Ireland past 40 points, sealing a statement win.

By full-time, the Aviva Stadium was in full voice. 

Ireland had rediscovered its spark, its structure and its bite. 

With the world champions arriving next week, this was the performance Ireland desperately needed and one that signals a team rediscovering its identity at exactly the right time.

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Full-Time

This is the best performance we have seen from this Irish side since July 2024 in Durban, and just at the right time, a week before the Springboks come to town!. 

It ends in Dublin, Ireland 46 - Australia 19.

80' Try Robbie Henshaw

This has been mesmeric from the Irish at the Aviva Stadium! 

To a man, every Irish player has had his moment today. 

Two quick cross-field kicks, one from Jack Crowley to Ronan Kelleher and then one from Jamison Gibson-Park to Robbie Henshaw to the other side, see Ireland go over 40 points. IRE 46 - AUS 19.

77' Try Ryan Baird

Ireland strikes right back! 

Today has been a revelation for Ireland at line-out time, and look at the difference it makes. 

Bundee Aki bursts through the Wallabies' defensive line before Ryan Baird scores on the next phase. 

That was the 10th line-out win in a row for Ireland. IRE 39 - AUS 19.

72' Try Billy Pollard

The Wallabies are not throwing in the towel here. 

That was pretty poor from Ireland; the forwards did not get around the corner to cover the breakdown. 

Instead, it was the Irish halfbacks and Tommy O'Brien who faced the prospect of three Wallabies forwards, and there was only going to be one winner. IRE 32 - AUS 19.

68' Try Caelan Doris

This might just be the most impressive Irish performance since their win over the Springboks in Durban. 

Ireland has grown into this contest, and it is the skipper who takes them up to 30 points with a powerful direct try. 

Ireland showed great patience to go through the phases before the skipper goes between two Wallaby defenders. 

Jack Crowley drills the touchline conversion. IRE 32 - AUS 14. 

61' Penalty Jack Crowley

Ireland is edging away here.

Jack Crowley's first piece of action in replacement of a highly impressive Sam Prendergast is to nail a penalty. 

It could've been more for Ireland, which had a try chalked off due to a knock-on. 

Prendergast found Tommy O'Brien with a brilliant cross-field kick.

49' Oh So Close!

Dan Sheehan breaks from the maul and gets so close to dotting down, only to be held up by Harry Potter, who is making a career out of world-class last ditch tackles.

42' The First Error

That was Mack Hansen's first mistake of the day, as he drops a high ball. 

More importantly, the camera pans to Peter O'Mahony enjoying a Guinness...

Second Half Underway

Australia get us underway into a strong headwind. 

Ireland cleared well, making full use of the strong breeze.

Halftime Report

Ireland hits the break with a slender 19-14 lead over Australia after a breathless opening 40 minutes at the Aviva Stadium, a half defined by Mack Hansen’s brilliance, sharp momentum swings and a late Wallabies surge that has dragged this contest right back into the balance.

The hosts flew out of the blocks with a clinical edge that too often has deserted them in recent months. 

Mack Hansen struck first in five minutes, capping a sharp opening sequence in which he acted as a second distributor and first receiver, a role he executed with confidence. 

Sam Prendergast converted, and Ireland was off and running. 

The young fly-half continued to show ambition, catching Australia napping with a long kick in behind that pinned Max Jorgensen on his own line. 

From there, Ireland turned the screw, and Hansen struck again on 10 minutes, this time linking off a crisp pullback pass from Robbie Henshaw, before Prendergast added the extras.

Australia looked rattled, the line-out wobbling and the attack disjointed. 

Ireland pounced again in 12 minutes, when Caelan Doris gathered an overthrow, though the hosts failed to make that platform count. 

Still, Hansen was not done. 

The Connacht fullback completed a remarkable first-half hat trick just before the half-hour mark, scooping up a loose ball from Tommy O'Brien and racing clear. Prendergast pushed the conversion wide, but Ireland led 19-7.

That misfire opened the door for Australia to settle. 

They did exactly that in 18 minutes when Len Ikitau bulldozed through Prendergast from close range, a direct and much-needed statement that jolted the Wallabies into life. 

Their set-piece remained unreliable, highlighted by Ryan Baird stealing a crucial line-out on 35 minutes, but their intent grew as Ireland’s discipline wavered.

The momentum swing became tangible on the stroke of halftime. 

Fraser McReight burrowed over from close range after sustained pressure, with James O'Connor converting to slice the gap to five. 

After spending the first quarter on the ropes, Australia now looks energized and dangerous.

At the interval, Ireland’s early fluency is offset by defensive lapses and a Wallabies resurgence. 

This match is very much alive.

40' Try Fraser McReight

Right back into the contest! 

The Wallabies strike on the stroke of halftime through Fraser McReight. 

The backrow burrows around the Irish breakdown for a try under the posts. James O'Connor converts, and it is firmly game on here. IRE 19 - AUS 14.

35' A Huge Moment

That was massive for the Irish pack. 

Ryan Baird gets up and pinches a Wallabies line-out. 

James Lowe kicks long, and Ireland steals another Australian ball, before James Lowe gets his positioning wrong and concedes a penalty for hitting Harry Potter slightly high.

27' Try Mack Hansen

RETURN OF THE MACK! 

The Connacht fullback secures a first-half hat trick as he picks up a loose ball from Tommy O'Brien. 

This has gone better than he could've ever dreamed. Prendergast misses the conversion. IRE 19 - AUS 7.

18' Try Len Ikitau

That is more like it from the Wallabies. They go direct, and Len Ikitau gets a one-on-one with Sam Prendergast, who simply steamrolls from 5 meters out. IRE 14 - AUS 7.

12' Refreshing For Ireland

For a change, Ireland is not the team struggling at line-out time. 

Australia overthrows, and Caelan Doris comes away with the ball. 

Fraser McReight is penalized for being offside. Ireland clears its lines and takes play inside the Australian half. IRE 14 - AUS 7.

10' Try Mack Hansen

In again! Mack Hansen is over for the easiest of tries! 

Robbie Henshaw takes the ball to the line and pulls it back for Sam Prendergast, who finds Hansen, who emerges with a perfect line. Prendergast converts again! IRE 14 - AUS 0.

8' Amazing!

That was superb from Sam Prendergast. 

Ireland wins a free kick, and he spots nobody at home. He boots long, and Max Jorgensen knocks on right on the Wallabies' line. Ireland now has a 5-meter scrum.

5' Try Mack Hansen

That is exactly what the hosts needed! 

Mack Hansen has been exceptional through these opening five minutes with his ability to slot in as a second distributor and first receiver, and he is rewarded with the opening try of the match! 

Sam Prendergast knocks over the conversion from in front of the posts. IRE 7 - AUS 0.

Confidence Boost

That was a big moment for Mack Hansen, who made a brilliant catch from a Wallabies up and under. 

Catching the ball above his head, Hansen's return is a major boost, and Ireland is fizzing in attack.

Kickoff

Sam Prendergast gets us underway here! 

It is a big day for the young Leinster fly-half, as it is for all of the Irish players.

Ireland's Call Echoes Loud

There are few anthems in professional rugby that hit as hard as Ireland's call. 

Former Irish International Barry Murphy once again is at the microphone to blast out Amhrán na bhFiann and Ireland's call. Both sides are visibly emotional for this one.

An Electric Atmosphere

The Aviva Stadium is a hub of anticipation as the home team takes to the pitch to face one of Ireland's favorite sons in Joe Schmidt. 

This match has all of the makings of a classic between two sides that are in desperate need of a big performance.

Wallabies Globe Trotter Returns

One of the week’s biggest surprises was Schmidt recalling James O'Connor after three years out of test rugby. 

The veteran was holidaying in Morocco before receiving the emergency call, a sign of how desperate Australia has become in the playmaking department. 

Carter Gordon’s cross-code return has stuttered, Tane Edmed has struggled and the Wallabies needed a steadying hand. 

O'Connor has seen almost everything in the test arena, but coming in cold to face Ireland in Dublin is a high-stakes assignment. 

How he handles the pressure could be decisive in a match where control may trump flair.

The Major Battleground

If one area feels destined to shape tonight’s contest, it is the back-row duel. 

Ireland deploys Jack Conan, Caelan Doris and Ryan Baird, a trio built for pace, power and ball control. 

Australia counters with Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini, a combination that has carried the Wallabies through some of their better moments this season. 

In wet conditions, dominance here becomes even more influential. 

Gainline wins and quick ruck ball will decide whether Prendergast and Gibson Park can fire, or whether O'Connor and Gordon get the territory they crave.

Home Away From Home For Schmidt

Joe Schmidt has used every minute of his return to Dublin this week to reconnect with the city where he built his reputation. 

From catching up with his son in Churchtown to revisiting old Leinster circles, the Wallabies coach has leaned into the familiarity of his former life. 

It is clear he is far more comfortable discussing coffee catch-ups with Mick Kearney than dissecting Australia’s stuttering form. Still, he knows this setting can bring the best out of his team. 

A year ago, they pushed Ireland to the brink after a poor performance in Scotland. He hopes history repeats.

Previous Results

• 2024: Ireland won 22-19 in Dublin
• 2022: Ireland won 13-10 in Dublin
• 2018: Ireland won 16-20 in Sydney
• 2018: Australia won 18-9 in Brisbane
• 2018: Ireland won 21-26 in Melbourne
• 2016: Ireland won 27-24 in Dublin
• 2014: Ireland won 26-23 in Dublin
• 2013: Australia won 15-32 in Dublin
• 2011: Ireland won 15-6 in Auckland
• 2010: Australia won 22-15 in Brisbane
• 2009: Drew 20-20 at Croke Park

Ireland Roster

15 Mack Hansen, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Caelan Doris (c), 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Paddy McCarthy

Replacements: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Nick Timoney, 20 Cian Prendergast, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Bundee Aki

Australia Roster

Australia: 15 Max Jorgensen, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Tom Hooper, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell

Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andrew Kellaway

Which Cities Will Host 2031 Rugby World Cup Matches? Here's Who is In The Running

Rugby’s biggest stage is heading to the United States, as the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup makes its historic debut in the Americas.

A total of 27 cities and regions have been proposed as potential hosts and celebration hubs, including Houston, New York/New Jersey and Los Angeles. 

Read More For The Full List: 27 U.S. Cities In Running To Host 2031 Rugby World Cup

Autumn Nations 2025 Schedule & Autumn Internationals 2025 Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 8

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. USA – Adjarabet Arena (Autumn International)
• 7:40 a.m. ET – Ireland vs. Japan – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. New Zealand – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Italy vs. Australia – Bluenergy Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – England vs. Fiji – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. South Africa – Stade de France (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Colombia vs. Mexico – Estadio Cincuentenario (Autumn International)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. Canada – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 10 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Uruguay – Estádio Nacional do Jamor (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 9

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs Argentina – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 15

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. Canada – Adjarabet Arena (Autumn International)
• 7:40 a.m. ET – Italy vs. South Africa – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. USA – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – England vs. New Zealand – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Wales vs. Japan – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. Fiji – Stade Matmut-Atlantique (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Ireland vs. Australia – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Hong Kong China – Estádio Nacional do Jamor (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 16

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. Argentina – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 22

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. Japan – Mikheil Meskhi Stadium (Autumn International)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs. New Zealand – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 11 a.m. ET – Spain vs. Fiji – Estadio Ciudad de Málaga (Autumn International)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Ireland vs. South Africa – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Italy vs. Chile – Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. Australia – Stade de France (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. Uruguay – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 11 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Canada – Estádio Municipal Cidade de Coimbra (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 23

• 8:40 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. Tonga – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)
• 11:10 a.m. ET – England vs. Argentina – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 29

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs. South Africa – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)

How To Watch Autumn Nations Series 2025

The 2025 Autumn Nations will be broadcast on different networks all over the world. 

If you live in the USA, you can watch the games on Peacock. 

• UK: TNT Sports
• USA: Peacock
• Ireland: TNT Sports (Autumn Nations Games) / Virgin Media (Ireland Games)
• Wales: S4C
• South Africa: SuperSport
• Australia: Stan Sport
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ

Latest World Rugby Rankings On Nov. 10, 2025

See the official rankings on World.Rugby here.

1. South Africa 93.06
2. New Zealand 91.35
3. Ireland 88.85
4. England 88.06
5. France 86.95
6. Argentina 84.30
7. Australia 81.69
8. Scotland 81.21
9. Fiji 81.15
10. Italy 78.98
11. Georgia 74.69
12. Wales 73.57
13. Japan 73.25
14. Spain 69.12
15. Uruguay 68.52
16. USA 67.40
17. Samoa 66.94
18. Chile 66.75
19. Tonga 66.66
20. Portugal 64.52

How The Rugby World Rankings Work

Read the full explanation on World.Rugby here.

Calculation

Men’s and Women's World Rugby Rankings are calculated using a 'Points Exchange' system, where sides gain or lose points based on the match result. 

Other criteria include the relative strength of each team, the margin of victory and an allowance for home advantage.

Member Unions

All member countries have a rating, typically between 0 and 100. The top side in the world normally will have a rating above 90. Any match that is not a full international between two member countries does not count at all.

RWC Ranking

Points are doubled during the World Cup Finals to recognise the importance of this event, but all other international matches, friendly or competitive, are treated the same across the world.

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• United Rugby Championship
• PREM Rugby
• Top 14
• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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