Michael Cheika called it a "rain of bombs." Jonathan Sexton was the man lighting the fuse and while it wasn't his best game for Ireland his influence on this test match was greater than all others.

Even Paul O’Connell. From 13 place kicks against the Springboks and the Wallabies, Sexton landed 12.

Cheika saw it through Australian eyes.

“I think we decided the game by not finishing off a few opportunities towards the end,” he said afterwards. “We dropped two or three balls towards the end which we had not dropped all game. It was about keeping our composure. We started jinking instead of running at the holes - just believing in the shape for longer, being a little more patient.

"They (Ireland) got a very clear style of rugby and they are doing it well. They are backing themselves. The results are very good for them and they are obviously going to be a big threat going into the World Cup next year."

Cheika was not pleased with New Zealand referee and former professional outhalf Glen Jackson.

“I was really disappointed with a number of calls. The winning penalty call, where we counter rucked, I was really disappointed in that one. It was really obvious. A couple of the scrum ones as well. We somehow got to shed that tag. I don’t know how. We had a penalty try against Wales, one or two poor scrums against the French but on the whole our scrums have been quite good.

“I don’t think it got the pay it deserved.”

Mike Ross admitted to being unsure but Ireland won the scrum battle and ultimately the war. Cheika paid them their dues but he must now realise the enormity of the task facing his Wallaby squad with only five more internationals until the world cup next year.

“I think they probably thought when they carried ball they could out muscle us a bit more. I think most teams think they can do that so it is up to us to harden right up and make sure we belie that image. I’m not sure why that image is there.

“In the last few games we have really fronted up physically. We knew they would kick high, kick away from Folau a lot. They pretty much did what we have seen beforehand and has proved a very successful formula for them.”

“We lacked that clinical edge at the end. We don’t have that yet.”

England are up next at Twickenham.

"Up we go again. You are not tired when you play for Australia. We will recovery. We will obviously mourn the loss but we will bounce back on Monday."