Australia's Michael Hooper scores a try against Ireland during their Rugby International at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Australia's Michael Hooper scores a try against Ireland during their Rugby International at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Tries by Nick Cummins, Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper led Australia to an overpowering 32-15 win over turnover-prone Ireland on Saturday.
The Wallabies silenced the Dublin crowd with a performance that combined their expected backline speed with a surprise show of power up front. The Irish, meanwhile, struggled to getout of their own way with turnovers and defensive miscues that gifted Australia two easy first-half tries.
Ireland trailed only 15-12 at the half thanks to four penalties from Jonny Sexton, who suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by Ian Madigan.
Australia extended its lead when Cooper scored off a long pass from a 5-meter scrum. Hooper scored his second try at the back of a ferocious maul that marched 10 meters across the Irish tryline.
