Late O'Driscoll magic seals big winnings for draw backers

International / Joe Dyer / 15 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

Brian O'Driscoll marked his 100th cap with a late try to deny the Australians

"With the clock heading to the 80 minute mark, Brian O'Driscoll, playing his 100th cap, scythed through the Australian defence to haul the Irish back into the game to deny the short-priced Aussie backers - the away side were matched at [1.1] on the exchange."

Australians denied by 100-cap wonder who scores late and low in dramatic finish

In scenes of high drama, Ireland secured an against the odds draw against Australia with just seconds left on the clock.

After falling behind early on, the home team appeared to have levelled matters and perhaps created the base for a come-from-behind win when Tommy Bowe scored a second-half try to take the scores to 13-13. But the Aussies weren't reading the script and struck back with what looked like a decisive score through Rocky Elsom late on.

The Irish put the Wallabies' try line under intense pressure late on, crossing the game line once only for the try to be ruled inconclusive.

Then, with the clock heading to the 80 minute mark, Brian O'Driscoll, playing his 100th cap, scythed through the Australian defence to haul the Irish back into the game to deny the short-priced Aussie backers - the away side were matched at [1.1] on the exchange.

All the remained after the try was for Ronan O'Gara to convert to take the scores to 20-20 - rewarding backers of the draw at [65.0].

Next up for Ireland are South Africa on November 28 while Australia face Scotland next weekend.