Ireland’s hopes of a record-breaking 13th consecutive victory and a first test victory in Australia since 1979 were dashed as they were beaten 18-9 in Brisbane.
Australia looked almost insulted by their underdog tag and responded with a superior performance of aggressive and clinical attacking play.
Michael Cheika’s men fully deserved their victory over the Glam Slam Champions who had made six changes to the team that secured the title against England in March.
Ireland were usually blunt and toothless in attack in a game and were repeatedly left frustrated by a dogged Wallabies defence.
The match officials, particularly the TMO made some questionable calls overturning ties for both teams and leaving both camps bewildered at times.
However, Bernard Foley’s 13-point haul and two tries by the outstanding David Pocock ensured it is advantage to the hosts going into next weeks second test in Melbourne.
Here are how the Irish players rated after the game.
Rob Kearney - 6.5
Struggled under the high balls at times.
Keith Earls - 5
Didn’t get much of an opportunity to run at Australia before being replaced by Larmour.
Robbie Henshaw - 6
Not his best game with some missed tackles, shooting up from the line but lucky that Stockdale bailed him out with his try-saving tackle.
Bundee Aki - 8
Some good line breaks and involved in most of Ireland’s good play.
Jacob Stockdale -7.5
Some good attacking play and brilliant try-saving tackle in the first half.
Joey Carbery - 5
A fair bit to go to challenge Sexton at 10. Missed a couple of relatively easy kicks. Good experience in a difficult environment.
Conor Murray - 9
Ireland’s driving force for all good things during the game.
CJ Stander - 7.5
One of Ireland’s better players, unlucky not to score a try in the first half.
Jordi Murphy - 5
Quiet game, not much of note. Long season showing now.
Peter O'Mahony - 6.5
Pocock got the better of him.
James Ryan - 8
Turning into a world class second row, breakdown work immense.
Iain Henderson - 7.5
His usual abrasive self in the breakdown, good work rate.
John Ryan - 6
Didn’t do much wrong but nothing much of note.
Rob Herring - 7.5
Good lineout throwing and cleared up a couple of loose Australian over throws.
Jack McGrath - 6
Solid as usual in the scrum with solid tackling in loose play.