The Wallabies have been unable to convert a late winner as Ireland held on for a 33-31 win in a heartbreaking defeat in Sydney.
In front of a record crowd of 41,971 at Allianz Stadium, replacement Ben Donaldson twice had tough penalty chances from the sidelines to seal the game.
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The first miss came with nine minutes left as Ireland marched down the field to take the lead through prop Thomas Clarkson.
Donaldson then had a shot from 40 metres out on the sideline to win the match after the siren, with the effort fading to the right.
It makes it six wins in a row for the Irish over Australia as the Wallabies were quick to console the playmaker.
The loss came after a blistering start from the hosts, with Rob Valetini and Carter Gordon instrumental in an early lead.
Gordon and Jock Campbell set up the opener after the Reds fullback showed great hands to pick the ball up from his laces and deliver to his winger.
Campbell then went himself for the five-pointer after instantly answering Cian Pendergast’s try.
Josh van der Flier got Ireland in front after smart hands from Dan Sheehan close to the line. But the speed and power of the Aussies caused plenty of trouble, with Valetini and Allan Alaalatoa impressive in setting up maiden Test tries for Josh Canham and Ryan Lonergan.
Canham capitalised on a Valetini break whilst Lonergan backed up Max Jorgensen’s intercept to give the Aussies a 24-12 lead, with their goal-kicking struggles proving costly.
Further chances to Jorgensen and the world-class Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii failed to stick as Ireland struck either side of the break for the lead.
Tate McDermott, who replaced Ryan Lonergan late in the first half, restored the Australian’s advantage as they held tough in defence.
Sheehan thought he’d crossed, but an obstruction by Rob Valetini chalked it off as Joe Schmidt's side kept fighting.
The Wallabies had a chance to seal the win, with the decision to go for the tough sideline penalty to make it eight leading to an Irish counter attack opportunity.
The pressure ramped up as a wave of penalties left the Aussies down to 14, debutant Lachlan Shaw the man to pay the price for one too many inside their half.
It opened the space for the tighthead prop to cross, with Sam Prendergast nailing the conversion for the lead.
The Wallabies gave themselves a chance late to win it after drawing the penalty on the full-time siren.
However, Donaldson was unable to slot the win as it stayed right, sealing the win for Ireland.
Ireland 33 (Tries: C. Prendergast, van der Flier, Gibson-Park, Keenan, Clarkson; Cons: S. Prendergast 4/5) def Wallabies 31 (Tries: Pietsch, Campbell, Canham, Lonergan, McDermott; Cons: Gordon 3/5; Pens: Donaldson 0/2)
