11 Test matches, 10 wins, 1 defeat, 1 Grand Slam and, now, 1 Lansdowne Cup retained.
The cut-glass trophy was nice to hold aloft but the more important thing for Ireland was to claim a Test Series win against Australia.
Ireland defeated Argentina 2-0 on their summer tour in 2014 but the series win over the Wallabies was the first time in 39 years that they had achieved such a feat against a southern hemisphere super-power. The fact that Joe Schmidt’s men came back from 1-0 down to take the spoils was definitely cause for celebration.
For now, the men that took down the Wallabies will be afforded some well-earned rest [4 weeks!] before heading into 2018/19.
Before we leave the past behind, here are the Irish players that we rated highest during the three-Test Series against Australia.
JAMES RYAN (Ratings average – 8*)
So consistently class during the tour. Was the best Irish player on the park in Brisbane and took the fight to the Australians throughout. Forever getting over the gainline and made a gasp-inducing line break in each and every Test. “Fearless,” says Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh and we can’t disagree.
CJ STANDER (8)
Got better with each Test on tour. Always charts high for tackles and carries but was left in the shadows by the Aussies’ back row in Brisbane. Came back strong, to answer some naysayers, in Melbourne and was class in Sydney. His try was rich reward for a hard-pressing, relentless performance for 80+ minutes. Just loses out to Ryan, who maintained a high level in all three outings.
GARRY RINGROSE (8)
Just the one Test outing but he was excellent in the Melbourne win. Favourite for the 13 jersey for the big November games.
PETER O’MAHONY (7.5)
Level with Ryan in our overall series ratings. Another just edged out for Player of the Series as he fell off after a superb start in Brisbane and was clattered out of action 30 minutes into the decider. Went from being one of the main fall guys after the opening Test defeat to winning four turnovers in the space of 80 minutes (spread over two games) and was excellent for lineouts and re-starts.
CONOR MURRAY (7.5)
Was roughed up no end in the opening Test but was a key driver for Ireland all series. Looked after Carbery well and called a lot of the attacking shots in Sydney.
TADHG FURLONG (7.5)
His overall rating is harmed by his substitute stint in Brisbane and that lost scrum near the Irish line. Got a richly deserved 9/10 in Melbourne and the Australians are now believers.
KEITH EARLS (7.5)
Left wing, right wing, centre – Earls covered them all at one stage. Did not do any major damage in attack but the Aussies will still wary of him, and his defence has improved immensely in recent years. KO’ed pretty early in
DEVIN TONER (7.5)
Anyone who ever doubts ‘Big Dev’ needs only to refer to this tour. Was badly missed in the First Test and returned for the final two to create nuisancery (we’re making this a word!) at the breakdown and catch cleanly at lineout and re-start time.
JOHNNY SEXTON (7.5)
Costly penalty that did not find touch in his rare appearance as a sub. Was imperious in Melbourne – such smart kicking out of hand – and steered the ship home in Sydney. Missed a touchline conversion in that game but all five penalties were bang on.
BUNDEE AKI, JORDI MURPHY, ANDREW CONWAY, NIALL SCANNELL, JORDAN LARMOUR, JACK CONAN & IAIN HENDERSON (7)
A word, first, for Jordan Larmour – 0 starts on tour but a key figure in Ireland coming out on top. Aki saved his best game of the tour for Sydney while Conway was unlucky to be injured in scoring Ireland’s opener in Melbourne. Henderson was quiet enough in Sydney without doing much wrong while Scannell was not even selected in the original touring squad but got two starts and did well. Conan did well at No.8 in Sydney.
ROBBIE HENSHAW, ROB KEARNEY, ROB HERRING (6.5)
What a great angle for Rob Kearney's filthy offload to Robbie Henshaw pic.twitter.com/gFxE2t0ZY1
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 24, 2018
All the Robs. Henshaw and Kearney stepped up their games at AAMI Park after tough starts to the tour. Herring was solid without being spectacular but has enhanced his future selection chances.
JACOB STOCKDALE, JOEY CARBERY, JOHN RYAN, TADHG BEIRNE, CIAN HEALY (6)
Stockdale proved himself human but showed nice attacking glimpses. Carbery would have liked more game-time after his decent start in Brisbane. Ryan got the edge over Andrew Porter and his scrummaging was solid. Beirne will have enjoyed his first Test experiences while Healy looked jaded at the end of a long, highly successful season.
JACK MCGRATH (5.5)
Was under serious scrummaging pressure and got done for hands in the ruck by TV replays, in Melbourne.
QUINN ROUX & SEAN CRONIN – (5)
Grand Slam and Australian Test Series winners but all three would have hoped to feature more down under.
JOHN COONEY, KIERAN MARMION & ROSS BYRNE – N/A
Would be unfair to rate the lads as Cooney and Marmion only got a few minutes while Byrne missed out completely.
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