So close, and yet so far once again.

For the third straight time against Ireland at the Aviva, the Wallabies fell just three points shy of their opponents after going down 22-19 to end their campaign in 2024.

There are no prizes for second prize but the Wallabies at least won a bit more respect for their gallant effort in Dublin, where Ireland dominated territory (74 per cent) and possession (59 per cent).

The Wallabies made their share of linebreaks, but only managed to get one try out of their inroads.

On one occasion when Taniela Tupou broke free, the Wallabies ended up with three points despite the giant tighthead prop unnecessarily throwing an offload that was intercepted.

On another, where Nick Frost and Harry Wilson combined spectacularly in the first half, the Wallabies got a goal line restart out of it but there’s no doubt Joe Schmidt would have wanted more pay out of their attacking forays.

Nonetheless, given where the Wallabies were 12 months ago, there’s no doubt they took another stride forward despite not winning.

So how did the players rate?

Tom Wright – 6.5

One of the Wallabies’ biggest threats, Wright did well with little opportunities. He would have hoped his kick in behind the Irish defence didn’t go into the goal area after Frost’s linebreak. Did his best work in defence, where his breakdown steal at the 28-minute mark likely saved the Wallabies from conceding points.

Andrew Kellaway – 5

Beaten on the outside on a couple of occasions, Kellaway tended to recover well and didn’t panic in defence. Indeed, he recovered just in time to make a tackle on Irish fullback Hugo Keegan just short of the line in the fifth minute. Later, in the 16th minute, made another fine tackle on Keegan, and pulled off another one soon after on James Lowe. But he did allow Josh van der Flier to get under him to score Ireland’s opener. Made a couple of errors in attack, including in the 25th and 35th minutes.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 6

Strong in defence, Suaalii made a couple of big shots in defence, including on Keegan in the 47th minute. While in attack he helped win possession back from Jake Gordon’s up-and-under, which led to the Wallabies’ opening try. Did, however, panic towards the end with one poor pass that allowed Ireland to win possession at the death.

Len Ikitau – 6.5

Another reasonable day at the office for Ikitau. The outside centre barely put a step wrong.

Max Jorgensen – 6

After being harshly penalised in the tenth minute for a push in the back, Jorgensen scored the Wallabies’ opening try. He was also excellent in defence, showing he’s physically up to the challenge of international rugby. Take a look at his shot on Robbie Henshaw on the edge in the 68th minute.

Noah Lolesio – 7

Another solid performance from the rising fly-half. Lolesio is looking more and more comfortable running the show for the Wallabies. Recovered well from an early knock on and then probed the line and was safe under the high ball in the back field. Was also flawless from the kicking tee, including a long-range goal and another conversion from the sideline.

Jake Gordon – 5

Pounced on the scraps at the lineout in the 37th minute to help ease the pressure. Gordon was in the thick of everything, but was a frustrated figure at times after the Irish made a mess of the breakdown.

Harry Wilson – 6.5

Unfortunately pinged for not rolling away at the start of the second half. Wilson was tireless across the park and his link play was again a feature. The Wallabies captain is growing into the international arena.

Fraser McReight – 8

The Wallabies’ best, although McReight was pinged once or twice at the breakdown the openside flanker also won two penalties at the breakdown and made a clean pilfer too. His support play was also on show when he backed up Frost and Wilson following their linebreak in the 30th minute.

Rob Valetini – 7.5

Physically imposing, Valetini was brilliant on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately, he was also penalised for leading with the arm following the Wallabies’ converted try. The infringement led to Ireland’s first try. Later, Valetini was pinged at the breakdown.

Jeremy Williams – 6.5

A solid shift in the second-row, Williams was replaced after 59 minutes but was faultless across the park.

Nick Frost – 7.5

Another strong out in Dublin, Frost continues to grow and grow and it’s no surprise either given it’s his third year of international rugby. Frost was excellent at the lineout, put Wilson through a superb hole early on. His one blemish was spilling a drop kick restart.

Taniela Tupou – 6.5

Another rollercoaster ride for Tupou, the giant prop’s intercept was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately, he also turned the ball over by handing it back. Tupou didn’t quite get the pay he would have wanted at the scrum, but his work-rate was up and that was showcased by his two tackles in 10 seconds leading up to halftime.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 6.5

A solid shift in the front-row, Paenga-Amosa’s great improvement was his lineout throw. After missing the target on a couple of occasions last weekend, the hooker was rock solid.

James Slipper – 6

Without Angus Bell, Slipper delivered one of his best performances this year. The veteran loosehead prop was busy across the park and his work-rate was excellent. Slipper was unlucky not to win an on-ball penalty in the 37th minute, while he gave away one penalty at the scrum three minutes later.

Reserves

Billy Pollard – 5

Provided an on-ball threat and hit his target at lineout time.

Isaac Kailea – 6.5

The Wallabies’ best off the bench, Kailea’s ball carrying was exceptional in tight quarters.

Allan Alaalatoa – 6

Another to provide strong work rate after coming on after 45 minutes.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 5

No highlights, but solid enough.

Langi Gleeson – N/A

Came on late for Valetini.