BRISBANE, Australia (AP) – Australia beat Ireland 18-9 on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in its three-test series with Ireland, ending the Six Nations champions’ 12-game unbeaten run in Brisbane.
David Pocock capped a dominant breakdown performance with the winning try and, after a physical start, it was the attacking work of Kurtley Beale and the aerial dominance of Israel Folau that damaged the tourists.
Joe Schmidt took a risk by rotating his starting XV, but he will not be happy with his finishing team as they lost for the first time since March 2017.
Keith Earls, center left, of Ireland is tackled by Michael Hooper, center right, of Australia during the International rugby match between Australia and Ireland in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, June 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
Bundee Aki of Ireland, left, is tackled by Kurtley Beale of Australia during the International rugby match between Australia and Ireland in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, June 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
Caleb Timu, top, of Australia takes the ball in a line out during the international rugby match between Australia and Ireland in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, June 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
Jacob Stockdale of Ireland, right, is tackled by Sekope Kepu of Australia during the International rugby match between Australia and Ireland in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, June 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
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