Australia player ratings: Jordan Petaia and wing duo stand out in painful defeat to Ireland

Adam Kyriacou
Wallabies back Jordan Petaia

Following their 13-10 loss to Ireland in their Autumn Nations Series clash at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, here’s our player ratings for Australia.

15 Andrew Kellaway: Mr Reliable for Australia filled in at 15 this weekend and gave a solid defensive performance but saw little action in attack. 5

14 Mark Nawaqanitawase: The brightest of Australia’s backline as the recent new cap caught the eye in Dublin, making 14 carries for 70 metres. 7

13 Len Ikitau: Showed some flashes of the quality we know Ikitau has, but it was a fixture that saw precious attacking ball and fluency for anyone. 6

12 Hunter Paisami: Unfortunately had his evening halted in the early stages of the match due to a leg injury and was replaced by Jordan Petaia. N/A

11 Tom Wright: Racked up 100 metres with ball in hand as he tried to impose himself onto a stop-start game. Much like his wing partner, solid. 7

10 Bernard Foley: Kicked two out of three attempts at goal and will no doubt rue that one wayward attempt. Fairly even battle with Jack Crowley. 5

9 Nic White: Unlucky to have a first-half try chalked off due to a neck roll at a previous ruck. Again showed just what a Test match animal he is. 7

Captain’s effort from James Slipper

8 Rob Valetini: Toiled away admirably with 76 metres from 13 carries and his battle with Caelan Doris was bruising. Injury forced him off early. 6

7 Michael Hooper: Busy defensively with a team high 16 hits but struggled to impose himself in possession on a quiet night in that facet of play. 5

6 Jed Holloway: Impresses in every game he plays for club and country as his power in contact and skill-set came to the fore at times once again. 7

5 Cadeyrn Neville: Far from his best game for the Wallabies as the lock struggled to impose his game against a formidable Ireland forward pack. 4

4 Nick Frost: A solid enough performance from the giant second-row as he put in a good shift defensively, with ball in hand and also at the lineout. 6

3 Allan Alaalatoa: Ended up playing near a full game due to Taniela Tupou’s injury and got through ample work with eight carries and 11 tackles. 6

2 David Porecki: Forced off after 24 minutes due to injury. N/A

1 James Slipper (c): Impressive around the Dublin field as the skipper led by example with a decent 11 carries and 12 tackles. A captain’s knock. 7

Replacements: An unfortunate injury to Tupou foiled his potential impact but Will Skelton and particularly Petaia were both significant threats. 7

READ MORE: Ireland player ratings: Caelan Doris exceptional in otherwise mediocre display from the world number one side