Ireland vs Australia LIVE: Rugby result and reaction from autumn international as Ireland edge to tight win
Ireland 13-10 Australia: Ross Byrne’s late pressure penalty was enough for the hosts to edge to victory after Bundee Aki got their only try
Ross Byrne landed a dramatic late penalty as Ireland overcame the loss of captain Johnny Sexton to cap a stellar year with a disjointed 13-10 win over Australia. Replacement fly-half Byrne nailed a difficult kick from wide on the right with just three minutes remaining in Dublin to earn Ireland a record-equalling 12th successive home victory.
Andy Farrell’s men struggled for large parts of a disappointing contest and could easily have ended 2022 with a serious reality check against opponents beaten by Italy just last weekend.
Ireland centre Bundee Aki marked his return from an eight-game ban with the opening try but the game remained in the balance in the closing stages after Jordan Petaia crossed for the Wallabies.
A difficult evening for the Irish began with talisman Sexton withdrawing through injury, with his deputy Jack Crowley booting five points on his maiden Test start before Byrne, who was elevated to the bench at the 11th hour, proving to be the match-winner.
Relive the action from the autumn international between Ireland and Australia below:
Scotland 19-8 Argentina, 31 minutes
Michael Cheika does not look particularly happy - Argentina’s discipline has been much improved under the Australian but that was a very, very loose moment from Marcos Kremer.
Argentina win a free kick at the scrum.
TRY! SCOTLAND 19-8 Argentina (Darcy Graham try, 28 minutes)
Scotland are fizzing!
Finn Russell is producing a scintillating opening half-hour, hands on the ball all the time and Argentina struggling to get to grips with him. This time he makes a clean break, Scottish support rushing through to resource the ruck.
It should be a straightforward, certain score on the right, but Chris Harris fancies a trip meat merchant, threatening to butcher it by hanging on with two unmarked men outside him. Fortunately for the centre, Scotland regenerate possession and Darcy Graham knifes over.
Russell’s conversion is away, but Murrayfield is rather enjoying this.
Scotland 14-8 Argentina, 26 minutes
Off they go again! Russell and Van der Merwe combine once more, fly-half to wing with the chipped cross-kick. Van der Merwe meanders hither and thither before creating his own hole, delivering his particular brand of powerful punishment.
TRY! SCOTLAND 14-8 Argentina (Duhan van der Merwe try, 25 minutes)
And Finn Russell is the magician to find them!
Scotland generate some momentum, allowing Russell time and space to cast his spells. Juan Martin Gonzalez buys the dummy, shooting up for a half-second to open a gap through which Russell bursts again.
Another delicate offload allows the fly-half to connect with Duhan van der Merwe, who completes the circus score with a juggle.
Scotland 7-8 Argentina, 23 minutes
Advantage Scotland, then, as they launch another assault from just outside the Argentine 22. There will surely be spaces...
RED CARD! Marcos Kremer is sent off! Scotland 7-8 Argentina, 22 minutes
Yes, this isn’t good from Kremer. There is a swinging arm making direct contact to the head of Jamie Ritchie, and there is little in the way of mitigation in terms of late movement.
RED CARD! Karl Dickson is certain, and rightly so - Kremer seemed to know he had done wrong as he tumbled away from the breakdown, and Argentina will play the remainder shorn of their flanker.
Scotland 7-8 Argentina, 22 minutes
Nearly outstanding from Argentina! They earn a penalty advantage at the scrum and then set to work on the right, another smart use of the boot to prod into space beyond the front defensive line.
Juan Cruz Mallia collects and manages to get his pass inside, but the next kick onwards is smothered by the Scottish backfield, ending the chance.
Hang on - the TMO wants to check a clearout from Marcos Kremer, which on first view didn’t look particularly aesthetically pleasing...
Scotland took an early lead through this Sione Tuipulotu try
Sharp from Finn Russell to set up the centre, who finished superbly.
Scotland 7-8 Argentina, 21 minutes
Right - Scotland must start again. This time the handling is less secure, Finn Russell tossing his pass for Chris Harris forward. Argentina scrum.
Scotland 7-8 Argentina, 20 minutes
Up into double figures for the phase count as both props are employed for a lumber. Ali Price snipes but meets a couple of burly forwards.
Fraser Brown’s effort is more muscular, and Jonny Gray’s, too. Patience needed for Scotland...
Turnover! 20 phases and finally the attack is kaput, Pablo Matera timing his breakdown pilfer perfectly after Grant Gilchrist had been turtled. Argentina kick away.
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