Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold performed against Ireland

1 day ago 5

5. Tom Hooper - 6.5

One of the Wallabies best on a night of underwhelming performances. Topped both the Wallabies’ carry and tackle counts.

Was likened to Ireland’s impressive middle-rower Tadgh Beirne in the pre-game call, and while he’s not there yet, that’s a realistic ambition for the youngster, who is still only 24 and is arguably the Wallabies’ find (or re-discovery) of 2025.

6. Rob Valetini - 5.5

Took some big carries early in the first half and used his power in the contact zone. But fell out of the game in the second half. We haven’t seen the same game-changing talents from big Bobby V in the last few months.

7. Fraser McReight - 6

Pushed hard, and is always one of the Wallabies players searching to turn the game. Scored a well-taken try. But he was well negated by the Ireland forwards, and wasn’t rewarded by the referee for his 50-50 poaching opportunities.

8. Harry Wilson - 5

Another whose effort is never in question. Puts his hand up for carries and hard tackles whenever they’re needed. But the impact of those involvements ebbs and flows, and there is a question on Wilson’s dwindling battery level, too. No one will enjoy a post-tour break more.

9. Jake Gordon - 5

Kicking game was arguably a fraction off this week, with chasers rarely getting up for a contest. Gordon’s work when recycling on attack in Ireland’s red zone was sharp, but the problem was the Wallabies didn’t get to it more often.

10. James O’Connor - 4

Tough night for James O’Connor, who was thrown headfirst into the mincer by Joe Schmidt in Dublin. Not even in the squad for the tour until this week, he was called in and then immediately given a starting jersey. And then tasked with running an unwise attacking game plan.

James O’Connor of Australia is tackled by Sam Prendergast.

None of that excuses O’Connor’s skill errors. His rustiness was apparent. He was beaten in the air, too. But this was just another episode of the blindfolded darts game that is the Wallabies selection policy for the No.10. And it’s left us no closer to getting answers.

11. Harry Potter - 4

As said every week about Potter: a mixed game. But this time the good - some impressive defence - was outweighed by poor work under the high ball, both defensively and offensively, and being caught out of position. Schmidt rates Potter as strong in the air, but it hasn’t been apparent in recent outings.

12. Len Ikitau -5.5

Another who shone when the Wallabies had the ball in the Irish red zone, and were attacking directly. Ikitau plays as an extra back-rower in that zone, and also handles as a first receiver. A try was a good reward. But otherwise was passing out the back, and Ireland always had the answers.

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii - 5.5

Filipo Daugunu of Australia jumps for the ball with Mack Hansen.

Looked for ways to enter the game on attack and defended intelligently. And was even one of the few Wallabies to take a clean catch under a high ball. Are we wedded to Suaalii at No.13? Hands up if you think he should be the Wallabies’ fullback against France.

14. Filipo Daugunu - 4

A big powerful ball runner, but had little opportunity other than one nice run, that was ruined by a loose inside pass. His high ball work was also not where it needs to be.

15. Max Jorgensen - 3.5

Park this one and move on. Not a night to remember for the young superstar, with errors aplenty, many of which led to Irish tries. High balls were dropped, there were knock-ons, and the usually unshakeable confidence of Jorgensen was clearly shaken. Kudos to Schmidt, perhaps, for backing him, but Jorgensen should have moved to the wing when Kellaway came on.

Reserves

16. Billy Pollard - 5

Powerful running on display, and his try was a good reward. But losing the lineout in the 64th minute was a bad miss, and while the lift and jump were off, this has to be bread-and-butter stuff at Test level.

17. Tom Robertson - 4.5

No major impact from Robertson, who keeps a scrum locked down and does his tight duties well. But he doesn’t threaten as a ball carrier.

18. Zane Nonggorr - 3.5

Penalised for collapsing his first scrum and then slow on lift on Frost for that crucial missed lineout.

19. Nick Frost - 3.5

Worked hard in a short time on the field, with eight tackles in 16 minutes. But then missed the key lineout and was binned for the last 10 minutes, which allowed Ireland to exploit his absence.

20. Carlo Tizzano - 4.5

Played a quarter but didn’t get sighted with any big plays. Like McReight, he couldn’t get on the ball. Question mark whether a second No.7 is a good use of the reserve back row slot, given McReight is an 80-minute player.