The Wallabies have backed playmaker Ben Donaldson to have more winning opportunities in gold after the flyhalf couldn't convert a last-minute chance to claim victory over Ireland in Sydney.
Donaldson twice had a chance to kick tough penalties from the sidelines to seal the win, only to watch the ball sail wide of the posts in a 33-31 defeat.
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This included a last-gasp sideline effort from 40 metres out, with the ball sailing to the right after overcompensating following an earlier effort with eight minutes to go missing to the left.
Captain Harry Wilson backed his playmaker on both occasions and reaffirmed he would continue to support Donaldson in future efforts.
“I backed ‘Donno.' I know he’s a good kicker and I love how he stepped up in that moment. He wanted it and that's what you want from your 10 and I can live with him missing that because he wasn't scared of the moment,” Wilson said post-match.
“He wanted it, and I'm sure in the future for the Wallabies he'll step up and get that win for the Wallabies.”
Irish coach Andy Farrell offered similar praise for the Force playmaker, having made it six straight against the Wallabies.
“Honestly, I thought he'd get it because the one that he had before when you have an opportunity and it doesn't quite go right the first time, you know what to fix,” he admitted.
“It was a long way out and a tough old kick but he’s a class operator. You would love that option of a player like that, with so much experience, to come off the bench and have the opportunity.
“It’s a tough kick and a shot to the dark but it’s fine margins, isn't it? That's top-level test match rugby and that's how it should be.
The Wallabies showed considerable growth from their November defeat in Dublin, powering through the Irish defence.
The likes of Carter Gordon, Rob Valetini and the centres pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii caused all sorts of chaos as they built a 24-12 lead.
But tries either side of the break cost them, with the Wallabies turning their focus to next week’s clash against France in Brisbane.
“I was really proud of the effort. I thought we created a lot of chances for ourselves,” Wilson added.
“I was really proud of our defence. I thought the boys turned up for each other and really wanted to try and win that physical battle and I thought we did a good job there.
“It’s just our discipline there, especially that second half, really hurt us. When you're up against a team like Ireland, they definitely make you pay, but I was really proud of the effort and the game was definitely there for us.”
