Hansen scores hat-trick as Ireland thrash Wallabies

Monday, 17 November 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Mack Hansen played a starring role in his first Test run-out at full-back

Mack Hansen scored a superb first-half hat-trick to help lift Ireland to a record win over Australia in an entertaining Test at Aviva Stadium.

Starting an Ireland game at full-back for the first time, Canberra-born Hansen starred in a slick Irish attack on his return from a foot injury with three tries inside the opening 30 minutes.

The Wallabies – coached by former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt – stayed in touch at half-time thanks to Len Ikitau and Fraser McReight tries. But after Sam Prendergast stretched Ireland’s lead with a drop-goal and Tommy O’Brien had a try ruled out for a knock-on, Caelan Doris’ 70th-minute try put Ireland back on course for a win in the Dublin rain.

Despite losing Nick Frost to a yellow card for his hit on Thomas Clarkson during the Doris score, Billy Pollard went over for Australia’s third try.

However, the hosts surged to the finish line as late Ryan Baird and Robbie Henshaw scores completed Ireland’s fifth successive win over the two-time world champions.

With their confidence boosted, Ireland face back-to-back World Cup winners South Africa in Dublin this week, while Australia end their northern hemisphere tour in France.