O'Connell rues 'soft tries'

Ireland lock Paul O'Connell was left to rue his side's error count as they ended their season with an 18-12 defeat to Australia.

Ireland lock Paul O'Connell was left to rue his side's error count as they ended their season with an 18-12 defeat to Australia.

The tourists briefly led 7-5 at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne and almost snatched a late victory after rallying from 18-7 behind.

But O'Connell was unhappy with the mistakes which allowed the Wallabies to touchdown twice.

“We were making too many mistakes, myself included,” he said.

“If we want to get to get to the next level, we need to cut that out.

“We cut out the mistakes today and we win the game, and that's very disappointing.

“We conceded two soft tries. I don't think Matt Giteau should have been allowed to offload for the second try and likewise Lote Tuqiri for the first try.”

Saturday's result followed last weekend's 21-11 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland.

While O'Connell was frustrated at his side's inability to beat the southern hemisphere teams in their own backyard, he can see signs of progress.

“We've been together a good few years now, this team, and we need to start stepping up and winning down in the southern hemisphere,” he said.

“We've been talking a bit about that lately and I think we did step up today.”

Of Ireland's strong finish, he added: “We're a very fit side. Irish rugby had a very disappointing World Cup but it's at a very good stage.”

Ireland captain O'Driscoll also disappointed by another narrow defeat.

“It is very frustrating,” he said.

“We had a lot of possession but we lacked a clinical touch and were made to pay for it.”

O'Driscoll particularly rued the soft first-half tries scored by Australia's Berrick Barnes and James Horwill.

“It is quite soul-destroying when you give up easy tries,” he said.

“But we hung in there and gave ourselves a chance at the end.”