Australia v Ireland, Rugby World Cup, Auckland, September 17
Ireland eye elusive RWC win over Australia
Scrum.com
September 14, 2011

Ireland will go into their decisive Pool C clash in Auckland striving for their first victory over the Wallabies at a Rugby World Cup.

Australia have often proved Ireland's nemesis in the tournament having beaten Ireland in all four encounters in the global showpiece. Twice Ireland have come within a point of them. In 1991 Ireland lost 19-18 in the quarter-finals as Australia, boosted by two tries from David Campese and one from Michael Lynagh in that game, went on to win the tournament with victory over England at Twickenham in the final. Twelve years later Australia, on home turf, edged a 17-16 victory in Melbourne with George Smith crossing for the Wallabies and Brian O'Driscoll touching for the Irish.

A quarter-final exit to Australia was also Ireland's fate in the inaugral Rugby World Cup in 1987, losing 33-15 in Sydney, with winger Matthew Burke scoring two tries. Australia In 1999 it was another more comfortable victory in the pool stages for Australia as they ran out 23-3. Tries from Ben Tune and Tim Horan sealed the victory for Australia as they progressed to a quarter-final victroy over Wales and ultimately a triumph over France in the final.

The two sides are slated to meet once again at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

Australia v Ireland - Match Stats:

All-time record: 29; Ireland won 8, Australia won 20, one match drawn

Biggest winning margin: Aus: 36 (46-10, Brisbane, 1999); Ire: 15 (27-12, Brisbane, 1979)

Highest score: Aus: 46 (46-10 at Brisbane, 1999); Ire: 27 (27-12, Brisbane, 1979)

Most tries: Aus: 6 (46-10, Brisbane, 1999) (45-16, Perth, 2003) (33-13, Brisbane, 1994) Ire: 3 (26-32, Perth, 1999)

Most points (individual): Aus: 64 Michael Lynagh; Ire: 68 Ronan O'Gara

Most tries (individual): Aus: 4 David Campese, Chris Latham; Ire: 3 Brian O'Driscoll

Most points in a Test: Aus: 20 Elton Flatley (Perth 2003); Ire: 19 Ollie Campbell (Brisbane 1979)

Previous World Cup meetings: Four: Aus 33-15 Ire (Sydney, 1987); Aus 19-18 Ire (Dublin, 1991); Aus 23-3 Ire, (Dublin, 1999); Aus 17-16 Ire (Melbourne, 2003)

Statsguru archive:

Click here for Ireland's Test record courtesy of Statsguru

Click here for Australia's Test record courtesy of Statsguru

Click here for a record of all Australia v Ireland matches courtesy of Statsguru

© Scrum.com

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.