O'Connell laments missed chances

Unforced errors and poor decision making left Ireland ruing another missed opportunity on their southern hemisphere tour as Australia proved ruthless in possession and ferocious in defence.

The 18-12 defeat under the roof of the Telstra Dome in Melbourne came at the end of a gruelling season but never in those 53 weeks did a victory over top opposition look more likely.

Ireland self destructed at crucial times, however, and fell short after bravely rallying from 18-7 behind.

Afterwards lock Paul O'Connell highlighted the mistakes which allowed the Wallabies to touchdown twice.

"We were making too many mistakes, myself included," said the Munster captain. "If we want to get to get to the next level, we need to cut that out.

"We cut out the mistakes today and we win the game, and that's very disappointing.

"We conceded two soft tries. I don't think Matt Giteau should have been allowed to offload for the second try and likewise Lote Tuqiri for the first try.

"I think it was the first reasonable bit of possession and they scored the try. That's what the southern hemisphere teams are good at and that's what we need to get good at, converting possession into points and finishing off line breaks."

Today's result followed last weekend's 21-11 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland.

While O'Connell was frustrated at his side's inability to beat the southern hemisphere teams in their own backyard, he can see signs of progress.

"We've been together a good few years now, this team, and we need to start stepping up and winning down in the southern hemisphere," he said.

"We've been talking a bit about that lately and I think we did step up today."

Of Ireland's strong finish, he added: "We're a very fit side. Irish rugby had a very disappointing World Cup but it's at a very good stage."

Australia captain Stirling Mortlock was relieved to have survived Ireland's fightback, admitting his side were caught cold after half-time.

"We've been a little bit scrappy," he said. "You can't take anything away from Ireland."

"We seem to have little bit of an issue coming out slow after half-time."