Australia came from behind to get their IRB U-19 World Championship title defence off to a winning start against Ireland at Ravenhill.
A 14th-minute try from Blackrock winger Niall Morris, who collected a cross-field kick from Scott Deasy to score, had Ireland 5-0 in front at half-time.
Australia lost their scrum half Jeremy Su'a to the sin-bin and then number eight Michael Uoka was sent-off, just before the break, for using a swinging arm at a ruck.
Two tries from winger Andrew Barrett shot the Aussies ahead, and although replacement hooker Michael Sherry muscled over for Ireland, a Rowan Kellam penalty saw the champions home.
IRELAND: Adam Craig (Instonians); Niall Morris (Blackrock), Eoin O'Malley (UCD), Conor Cleary (St. Michael's College), Patrick Brophy (St. Michael's College); Scott Deasy (PBC Cork), Kris Greene (St. Mary's); Paul Karayiannis (RBAI/Queen's), Stephen Douglas (Ballymena), Matthew Nelson (Ballynahinch), Brian Cawley (UCD), Ian Nagle (Glenstal Abbey, Limerick), Kieran Essex (CBC Cork/UCC), Rajan Reilly (St. Michael's College), Paul Ryan (Blackrock) (capt).
Replacements: Michael Sherry (Ard Scoil Ris/Garryowen), Ian Leonard (St. Michael's College), Patrick McCabe (Dublin University FC), David Foley (UL Bohemians), Patrick Mallon (St. Michael's College), Jamie Smith (Ballymena), Alan Gaughran (Buccaneers), Harry McAleese (Ballynahinch), Murray Kinsella (Newtown School, Waterford), Tommy Seymour (Down High School), Jason Harris Wright (Blackrock College).
AUSTRALIA: Peter Betham; Alfi Mafi, Rowan Kellam, Brett Gillespie (capt), Andrew Barrett; Patrick McCabe, Jeremy Su'a; Tetera Faulkner, James Hanson, Daniel Palmer, Rob Simmons, Sam Wykes, Ben McCalman, Rodney Maa, Michael Uoka.
Replacements: Daniel Penca, Ben Daley, Albert Anae, Adam Campbell, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Chris Harkins, Dan Robinson, Jason Ryan, Mitchell Inman, Blair Connor, John Grant.
Referee: James Jones (Wales)
