It was the least amount of points Ireland has scored against the Wallabies since 1999.
The Wallabies would have piled on even more points had it not been for a controversial refereeing decision on the hour mark that cost Israel Folau his first try against Ireland. Standing on the right wing, Folau received the ball in space after some clever lead-up work from Kurtley Beale took advantage of some tired forwards, and he raced down the touchline to score.
The on-field referee pointed to the spot but the official upstairs brought his attention to an incident that happened before the Wallabies even got the ball. Aussie back-rower Adam Coleman tackled an opponent without the ball near halfway and Folau's try — scored when the Irish led 9-8 — was taken off him, sparking outrage among fans and ex-international stars.
"It's official, the game's beyond … become a joke," ex-hooker Phil Kearns said. "That means you cannot throw a dummy in rugby anymore. The referees have lost the plot."
Hooper complained the incident had no impact on the play that saw Australia score and while he was correct, the whistleblower said by the letter of the law he had to rule a penalty.
"This is a massive call," former Australian five-eighth Tim Horan added in commentary for Fox Sports. "I agree with Michael Hooper — there's no effect on the play whatsoever."
