Ireland again proved a thorn in the side of Australian rugby with the Schoolboys side beaten 15-0 in their international clash at the Cork Institute of Technology on Wednesday.

Trailing 6-0 at halftime, Australia rallied valiantly but poor discipline allowed the golden boot of Irish five-eighth James McKinney to take control of the match with three second-half penalties.

Ireland are proving a northern hemisphere stumbling block for visiting Australian sides after the Wallabies saw their hopes of a grand slam tour extinguished when they drew 20-all with Ireland at Croke Park last month.

Australian coach Rob Nowlan said his side was unable to make the most of their opportunities.

"Ireland were very passionate, they played with pride and vigour and they outplayed us, Nowlan said.

"We had attacking opportunities but we didn't take them, we blew them, we dropped the ball in their half and they had good players in key positions who made us pay," said Australian coach Rob Nowlan.

"The boys are disappointed, they're a bit bewildered with what happened but that's just how it is.

"Ireland played what I like to call strangulation football, they kick the corners, draw the lineout, kick over the top with box kicks, put you under pressure in your half, draw the penalties and kick the goals.

"That's exactly what they did and they did it well."

Australia will now prepare for the challenge of playing their second International in three days when they meet Wales under 19 at Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

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