Australia have secured top spot in Pool A defeating Ireland 17-16 in a tight tussle at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome tonight.
The defending champions now meet Scotland in next week’s quarter finals while Ireland are left to battle Tournament quiet achievers France.
The Wallabies were in control at half time leading 11-6 but Ireland fought back in the second half to come within a whisker of stealing a late win.
After a nervous start from both sides the Wallabies got into the groove in the 10th minute through a drop goal to their captain George Gregan.
Try time
Three minutes later the defending world champions posted a five-pointer, fly half Steve Larkham shifting the ball wide for flanker George Smith to score in the corner giving Australia a handy 8-0 lead.
O’Gara and Flatley then traded penalty goals to bump the score along to 11-3 after 20 minutes.
George Smith backed up his good work in attack with some bone crunching defence, one stopping Ireland fly half Ryan O’Gara in his tracks.
O’Gara recovered to kick another penalty, reducing the Wallabies lead to five with seven minutes left in the half.
In the final minute of the half both sides were reduced to 14 men with Wallabies fullback Mat Rogers and Ireland's Shane Horgan sent to the sin bin.
Flatley extended Australia’s lead to eight with a penalty in the 45th minute but Ireland hit back with a great try in the corner to a diving Brian O’Driscoll after Wallaby wing Joe Roff knocked on going for a quick line out.
O’Gara added the extras from the sideline to reduce Australia’s margin to one point. Before a Flatley penalty in the 53rd minute gave his side some much-needed breathing space.
Just on the hour mark Ireland peppered the Wallabies in goal with a deft kick, only for wing Morgan to knock the ball forward in an attempt to secure the ball.
Ireland continued to apply the pressure but the Wallabies defence held firm to repel the Irish onslaught.
It was left to O’Driscoll to kick a drop goal in the 68th minute, reducing the Wallabies lead back to one.
Replacement fly half David Humphreys pushed a drop goal attempt wide with four minutes to play and Australia hung on.
Scores
Australia 17
Tries: Smith
Penalties: Flatley (3)
Drop Goals: Gregan
Defeated Ireland 16
Tries: O'Driscoll
Conversions: O'Gara
Penalties: O'Gara
Drop Goal: Ogara