Australia's Schools and U18s side will leave Ireland with a winning record after a 17-5 defeat of the Ireland U19s
Two tour matches against Irish provinces a year older than the Aussies, a win over Munster and loss to Ulster, clearly had them primed for the challenge of the U19 Irish side.
In a fiery encounter, both sides threw their weight around but it was Australia who were able to make the most of their attacking opportunities when they had them, with three tries to one.
They didn't make it easy for themselves, a man down midway through the second half, but ultimately Australia's youngsters showed their grit to keep Ireland at bay.
The Aussies put the pressure on in attack almost immediately, driving through the Irish defence before a penalty ended their positive run.
Some basic handling mistakes from Australia gave Ireland a chance in attack but the hosts had their own chances go begging through errors on a windy Dublin afternoon.
Goal kicking was especially tricky with the weather and Ireland's Jack Delaney had three missed chances at penalties, a relief for an ill-disciplined Aussie side.
Australia's patience in attack paid off with a try to flyhalf Reesjan Pasitoa midway through the first half.
After a series of pick and drives at the line, halfback Spencer Jeans shifted the ball left and his playmaker finished off the work, slipping through a gap to score.
A high tackle from the Aussies gave Ireland their own chance to mount pressure and they made the most of it with their winger Andrew Smith just getting the ball down in the corner to level things up.
A kick to the corner failed to make touch for the Aussies, putting them on the back foot late, but an Ireland error meant they had their own attacking lineout just shy of half-time.
They made Ireland pay immediately with fullback John Connolly dotting down in the corner to snatch back the lead.
Both teams' forwards were put under the pump in the game with scrum after scrum and the younger Aussies more than held their own against the Irish in a punishing game.
Australia's ill-discipline cost them at times and they found themselves down a man in the second half when Jeans was sent to the bin for a late hit.
A Pasitoa intercept put the Aussies on the attack against the run of play with Jeans off but Ireland won possession back quickly.
Australia's defence held up under immense pressure, holding up Ireland over the line and keeping them scoreless during the card period.
Aussie back Angus Bell sealed the win with a 60th-minute try, book ending a slick attacking chain.
Pasitoa had the only successful goal kick of the day to convert that try in what was the final score of the game.
The win gives Australia a 2-1 record on tour as they head to Scotland for their final matches.
RESULT
Australian Schools and U18s 17
Tries: Pasitoa, Connolly, Bell (back)
Con: Pasitoa
Yellow Cards: Jeans
Ireland U19 5
Tries: Smith
