Ireland on the brink
November 9, 2002

HT: Ireland 12 Australia 3

Ireland held the half-time advantage in their clash with the Wallabies thanks
to four Ronan O'Gara penalties.

The home side took the lead in the 13th minute when O'Gara slotted over a
penalty taken from just to the right of the posts.

The Wallabies were dealt a blow when lock Owen Finegan went off clutching
his right shoulder in the 17th minute, replaced by Justin Harrison.

Two minutes after that O'Gara struck again with a successful penalty to send
the Irish 6-0 in front at the 20-minute mark.

There was more potential for disruption when hooker Shane Byrne was
forced off with a blood injury after a wound on his forehead was reopened.

But replacement Frankie Sheahan was straight into the fray and Ireland were
off again.

Irish scrum-half Peter Stringer produced quick ball from a scrum on the
Australians' 22 only for Kevin Maggs to be brought down by a high tackle.

Referee Steve Walsh had no option but to award another penalty when
Horgan was held up in the corner from the continuing play. O'Gara sent the
ball over between the posts and Ireland were 9-0 ahead.

As half-time approached, Australia needed some points on the board, and
six minutes from the interval, Matt Burke got the Wallabies up and running
with a penalty kicked into the wind.

Ireland restored their nine-point lead four minutes later when O'Gara kicked
his fourth successful penalty of the half and the home side went in ahead.

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