Declan Kidney's Ireland battled to a famous 6-15 Rugby World Cup victory against Tri-Nations champions Australia in a pulsating encounter in Auckland.

This Pool C encounter was hyped as the biggest match of the tournament so far, and it didn't disappoint as a rampaging Ireland side overwhelmed Australia.

The Wallabies' elusive scrum-half Will Genia and his back line colleagues were shackled by a heroic Ireland defensive effort.

Australia were dominated at the breakdown and in the scrum in a game that has blown the tournament apart, with Australia potentially going into the same side of the draw as southern hemisphere rivals New Zealand and South Africa.

The crisp, clear weather resulted in an initial burst of free flowing, skills-based rugby from both sides.

Australian full-back Kurtley Beale typified the level of skill when he regathered a high ball on top of the more likely receiver in Ireland fullback Rob Kearney.

Ireland outmuscled their opponents at the scrum, a cause helped by the absence of injured duo David Pocock and Stephen Moore.

But any opportunities the Irish gained on attack were thwarted either by their poor handling or some superb cover defence from Australia.

Despite this, Ireland had a 6-3 lead when, after an earlier penalty, Jonathan Sexton kicked a surprise drop goal.

Ill discipline crept into both sides' games as the first half wore on, and winger James O'Connor had a genuine opportunity to give Australia the lead after Ireland's tendency to drift offside was spotted by Kiwi referee Bryce Lawrence.

But O'Connor could only kick one equalising penalty and both sides went into halftime level.

The weather, as was the rugby, was a game of two halves as the clear skies seen earlier gave way to a downpour.

Sexton converted an early penalty before he made way for veteran Ronan O'Gara, who was called on at almost the same time as captain James Horwill and the rest of the Australian scrum continued to feel the pressure from Ireland's pack.

Still they pressed forward, and after an O'Gara penalty they almost had the match's first try in the corner from a promising set piece.

Irish hearts were calmed almost immediately, however, as the forward pack that had done the job for them forced a knock on to momentarily relieve any pressure.

Another penalty to O'Gara ensured the Irish fans were singing after pushing their lead out to a nine-point margin with 10 minutes to play.

In the dying moments Tommy Bowe intercepted a pass on his own try line and ran the length of the field before being knocked into touch by James O'Connor in a thrilling end to the game.

The Australian supporters left early, while the Irish were left to party.

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