Scrum of the Earth /

The long-haul back to Dublin will contain a few regrets and a trigger thoughts of what might've been for Ireland as again they came up tantalizingly short once again in the southern hemisphere.

Whereas Munster are the champions of close encounters, the international side lacked the composure despite matching Australia's efforts with an expansive game bereft of accuracy.

Ireland's lineout is strangely a concern. Replacement Jerry Flannery's metronomic throw deserted him while Rory Best lacked the former's urgency in the loose.

Summer tours are all about unearthing new talent. Rob Kearney can be most proud of his efforts. Under Eddie O'Sullivan, Girvan Dempsey was a favourite while often his understudy Geordan Murphy only flirted with showing his true colours.

Kearney alongside Jamie Heaslip have surely cemented their spot for the Autumn, showing there is life after the golden generation.

The action was fascinating with Australia's watertight defence something to admire. Drifting in tandem, the Irish failed to punch holes outwide as Lote Tuqiri, Stirling Mortlock and plucky scrum-half Luke Burgess all working in fine tune.

Their two tries were equally as impressive, giving more evidence that the ELVs have encouraged to keep things alive.

Lote Tuqiri's powerful burst and deft off-load was gobbled up by Berrick Barnes for the opener. James Horwill was the second to profit from a moment of magic. This time, Matt Giteau caught the Irish flat line napping, beating four static defenders, before popping the ball into the safe hands of the 22-year-old debutant.

Denis Leamy and Brian O'Driscoll conjured up Ireland's two efforts, but the nearly men of nothern hemisphere rugby couldn't find the inspiration to herald a first victory on Aussie soil since 1979.

First job for Declan Kidney - to install some confidence in their talented abilities.