Player ratings: Ex-star not angry, 'just disappointed' as Wallabies slump to heavy loss against Ireland in Dublin
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The Wallabies are facing the grim prospect of a winless European tour after slumping to a 46-19 loss against Ireland in Dublin.
Australia have now lost three Tests in a row after previous defeats to England in London and Italy in Udine.
With just France in Paris to come, here's how former Wallabies star Cameron Shepherd saw the action from an Australian perspective.
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Australia players after their defeat. Sportsfile via Getty Images
1. Angus Bell (5)
Scrummaging against arguably the UK's best front row, Bell held his own. The loosehead prop had some classy touches in phase play as he shouldered the responsibility as the 'link man' in phase attack. Bell would have impressed the locals in a place he is soon to call home while playing for Ulster.
2. Matt Faessler (5)
Similar to Bell, Faessler knew the challenge awaiting him at scrum and lineout time and handled it well considering the slippery surface. A few unforced errors were negatives but conditions were tough.
3. Allan Alaalatoa (5)
Copy and paste for big Allan. Did his job well and scrummaged superbly against a very talented front row. A solid 60 minutes.
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Australia during the playing of the Australian national anthem. Sportsfile via Getty Images
4. Jeremy Williams (4)
With no Nick Frost in the starting side, Williams needed to take charge of the lineout, which was average even taking the conditions into consideration. A cold, windy night in Dublin which is a tough place to play at the best of times. Would like to see him carry the ball in space more with a wider pass off No.10.
5. Tom Hooper (4)
The Wallabies Clydesdale was straight back to work in Dublin. Another whose work ethic and commitment can never be questioned - but are we using him in the best way? Needs to add footwork, varied running lines and offloads to his bag if he wants to be in the conversation with the world's best.
Tom Hooper of Australia. Sportsfile via Getty Images
6. Rob Valetini (4)
Valetini is so good that an average game still stuffs the stat sheet but the Wallabies need more from this man mountain. Failing to create linebreaks as he once did and in a try scoring drought, I'm left feeling... not angry. Just disappointed.
7. Fraser McReight (5)
McReight was always going to be targeted at the breakdown and for the most part Ireland appeared to nulify the No.7. Extra touches in attack was a pleasant sight including a important try late in the first half.
8. Harry Wilson (4)
Another quiet day for the captain. Has a big year finally caught up with him? No doubt. When you can't impact the game physically, Wilson needs a way to do it with his chat and leadership. The Wallabies looked flat and quiet and so did Harry.
9. Jake Gordon (6)
My appreciation for Gordon continues to grow and in flashes his showed he can match it with the best No.9's in the world. Kicking and speed of ruck. Tick. Challenging the opposition line with his running game. Improved. Leading the synergy between the forwards and backline, particularly the fly-half (who will it be next week?) is his next very important challenge.
Tommy O'Brien is congratulated by Mack Hansen after scoring a try which was disallowed. Sportsfile via Getty Images
10. James O'Connor (4)
Multiple errors in the first 10 minutes wasn't the start James was hoping for in his return, however he took it in his stride. JOC finally found a way to use the width of the field with his vision and silky quick hands. Sadly, he couldnt find any consistency and frustration built. The lack of consistent selection in the 10 jersey is causing connection issues.
11. Harry Potter (5)
Another mixed bag for Potter whose effort can never be questioned. Courageous ball carries as one of the few Wallabies to get over the gainline consistently and body on the line in defence. But mix in some bad decision making and skill execution, sprinkle it with some Irish rain, wind and sleet, finish it off with some "nose claret" (Thanks Michael Hooper) and what do you get....? A learning experience for a man who looked like an extra in a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie at the end of it.
12. Len Ikitau (5)
Returned to the Wallabies side and the new crowned John Eales Medallist was immediately off on another one of his crusades. Unfortunatley, the Wallabies needed a 12 and second reciever, not another loose forward. Len needs to understand how important his role is as a connector between 10 and 13, plus leader of the backline, rather than a one man wrecking ball. A very talented wrecking ball but the Wallabies need him to vary his game desperately.
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (3)
Did he play the first half? Yes he did, but rarely seen. Did he play the second half? Yes, but rarely seen. Is the gameplan not suited for this lethal attacking weapon? The coaching team needs to work this out ASAP as Suaalii is being wasted.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of Australia is tackled by Ireland. Sportsfile via Getty Images
14. Filipo Daugunu (4)
Showed signs of rust after minimal game time early in this one but found his rhythm. A strong run down the near touchline in the first half almost created a try. Physicality was high but under-utilised by the Wallabies. Conditions didnt suit either.
Filipo Daugunu of Australia reacts after his side concede a drop goal. Sportsfile via Getty Images
15. Max Jorgensen (4)
After limited opportunities on the wing during his last couple of Tests, Schmidt moved Jorgensen to fullback hoping to give the young superstar more opportunity. Opportunity he got but sadly a very tough game to show his potential. Needs to work on his skills at first receiver, confidence in his kicking game and to become a leader of kick receipt and counter attack.
RESERVES
16. Billy Pollard (4)
Missed a critical throw in the 65th minute after a brilliant JOC kick and unfortunately for the Wallabies, five minutes later the Wallabies were under their own sticks . He redeemed himself with a burrowing run and try but it was too little too late.
17. Tom Robertson (4)
A tough time and environment to join a Test. Minimal impact around the park.
18. Zane Nonggorr (4)
Arrived in the 61st minute and straight into a critical scrum down 22-14. Nonggorr falls down. Penalty. 25-14. A small moment in a career was a big moment in the game.
19. Nick Frost (4)
Brought energy and line speed once he arrived but the lineout failed to improve. A yellow card cut his 20 minutes in half.
20. Carlo Tizzano (6)
Showed his talent to the world again with his 'if it moves, tackle it' mentality. Tizzano continues to build experience and polish his game despite tough losses and limited time.
21. Ryan Lonergan (6)
Another taste of Test match rugby and the Brumbies man was vocal and energetic. It's more than a learning experience for Lonergan who looks invested every minute he plays.
22. Tane Edmed (4)
A late cameo after his disastrous debut in Dublin last year. Needs to be more dominant and take control of the attack when on the field. Looks to happy to go with the flow at this point.
23. Andrew Kellaway (4)
Brought composure when he arrived. Possibly had more opportunity to run rather than kick at times. Tried to spark something with no avail.
