Sunday Snippets

Ireland defeat Wallabies at the Aviva: After moving ahead of the Wallabies in the rankings Ireland showed that they are a force to be reckoned with when the Rugby World Cup takes place next year. The Irish got off to a flyer leading 17-0 after 15 minutes thanks to tries from Simon Zebo and Tommy Bowe and looked to be on their way to a comfortable win. However that was not the case with the Wallabies fighting back thanks to tries from Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps, who went over the whitewash twice for Australia. As we made our way into the second half the game was there for the taking from both sides. Johnny Sexton gave Ireland the lead with 15 minutes to go and from there Ireland held on for the win. This win is Ireland’s first clean sweep of wins in an Autumn series for the first time since 2006 and sends out a message to the rest of the world that this Irish side will be serious challengers for the World Cup next year after defeating two Southern Hemisphere opposition this November.

New Zealand defeat Wales with three tries in ten minutes: Wales wait for a win over New Zealand continues after New Zealand won at Cardiff coming from behind scoring three tries in the final ten minutes of the game. In a rather less than entertaining first half the sides went into the break level 3-3 with still all to play for. It was the All Blacks who made the better start of the second half with Savea going over the line with his first try against the Welsh. New Zealand’s lead did not last long however with Rhys Webb going over for his second try in three games and the sides were level. Wales fought valiantly and managed to take the lead with ten minutes left on the clock only to concede three tries in the final 10 with Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Beauden Barrett going over to secure a clean sweep of wins for the All Blacks This November.