By Gary Watton
November 17 2013

Everybody is 'allowed' to have a bad day at the office, and yes we are all only human, but there is little excusing that awful display by Ireland at home to the Wallabies at the Aviva Stadium. The Aussies are themselves in transition after getting licked at home by the Welsh Lions. Therefore, they should have been vulnerable. Instead, the visitors pressed all the right buttons while their hapless hosts misfired spectacularly.

The trouble with the last couple of years of under-achievement is that the Oirish contingent could blame the coach, but with a new supremo in charge, it seems increasingly apparent that the failings lie squarely with the players. Joe Schmidt is certainly not going to enjoy much of a honeymoon bedding-in period after this debacle against Australia. A huge step-up in quality will be required for the Six Nations in February and March, or Ireland can look forward to more reverses at the hands of England, Italy, and Scotland. We will certainly and customarily be lambs to the slaughter against the All Blacks next Sunday.

Failing to score a single try was a damning indictment of our toothless display. Executing chances is of paramount importance if a team is to succeed at the cutting edge of international rugby. By contrast, Australia were clinical [with a try count of four tries to nil] as well as defensively solid - two attributes missing from the Oirish. If this isn't a shot in the arm for our squad, then some of them may need to be shown the exit door.

IRELAND 15 Australia 32; at the Aviva Stadium; Saturday 16th November 2013

15 Kearney

14 Bowe

13 O'Driscoll

12 Marshall

11 McFadden

10 Sexton [4 penalties] replaced by Madigan [penalty]

9 Reddan

8 Heaslip

7 O'Brien

6 O'Mahony

5 O'Connell

4 Toner

3 Ross

2 Best

1 Healy