Ireland denied Australia a winning finish to their spring tour in Dublin, but it took every inch of effort to grind down a Wallabies team that defended bravely and very nearly rounded out a resurgent year on the best possible note.

Ireland fought back from a halftime deficit to mark a 150th anniversary with a scruffy 22-19 victory over Australia on Saturday, sealing the victory in the last eight minutes and denying their former coach Joe Schmidt a winning return.

Prendergast, Crowley Pens: PrendergastAustralia (13) 19Tries: Jorgensen Cons: Lolesio Pens: Lolesio 4Ireland gave head coach Andy Farrell a winning send-off before his secondment to the British and Irish Lions as they came from behind to beat Joe Schmidt's Australia in a gripping Test in Dublin.

In the end, Andy Farrell's side outscored Australia three tries to one and came away with a barely deserved victory as the IRFU celebrated its 150th anniversary in front of a sold-out Aviva Stadium on a perfect autumn day in Dublin.

Ireland have taken down a brave Wallabies 22-19 in Dublin, spoiling Joe Schmidt’s return to Aviva Stadium. The hosts dominated territory but it was the Australians who led for the majority of the game. Watch every game of the Wallabies Spring Tour live and exclusive on Stan Sport.

A titanic defensive performance by the Wallabies fell just short in Dublin as Ireland claimed a thrilling 22-19 victory, but it’s now clear that Joe Schmidt’s team will give the British & Irish Lions a thorough examination next year.

DUBLIN (Reuters) -Ireland fought back from a halftime deficit to mark a 150th anniversary with a scruffy 22-19 victory over Australia on Saturday, sealing the victory in the last eight minutes and denying their former coach Joe Schmidt a winning return.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell will head into his secondment with the British and Irish Lions on the back of a narrow win over Australia, the team he intends to bring down on next year’s tour.