Rugby: Ireland edge Wallabies to level series, break 39-year drought

Tadhg Furlong of Ireland evades the tackle from Kurtley Beale of Australia. Photo / Getty

Australia and Ireland will duke it out in a series decider in Sydney next weekend after the Irish scored an impressive sudden-death victory over the Wallabies in Melbourne.

The Irish hadn't won in Australia in 39 years but with Johnny Sexton turning in a masterclass back at no.10, the world no.2 showed they are Six Nations champs by dismantling the sub-par Wallabies and kept the series alive.

But as good as the Irish performance was, the Australians proved their own worst enemies with an extremely undisciplined night at the office.

They conceded 15 penalties and with the weapons they deployed in Brisbane - a powerful defence and a smart kicking game - also firing blanks, the uncomposed Aussie team simply couldn't get themselves into the game.

To make matters worse, Will Genia appears to be in major doubt for the third game in Sydney after leaving the field in the first half with what looked to be possible arm fracture.

The Wallabies appeared to be cruising after Kurtley Beale scored a try after just 90 seconds but Ireland made the most of a sin-binning for Marika Koroibete soon after, scoring 13 points with the winger off the field.

The Wallabies fought back by scoring through a penalty try but with Sexton running the show, the Irish were able to keep up the pressure and build their narrow halftime lead with a try to powerhouse prop Tadhg Furlong after the break.

Sexton's fourth penalty goal in the 66th minute appeared to ice the result but the Wallabies gave the crowd of 29,018 a grandstand finish by scoring in the 78th minute through Taniela Tupou.

Almost fittingly, though, an Australian mistake at the ruck on the siren ended proceedings as the Wallabies were still attacking for a try to draw or a win.