But Matt Giteau's two penalties after the break condemned Declan Kidney's men to their third defeat of the tour.

Sexton had earlier given the Irish an early lead with two penalties to Cooper's one but the Aussies got themselves ahead thanks to Burgess' 18th-minute try.

Sexton continued his one-man points quest with two more penalties but Cooper hit back with his own three points before securing his side the half-time lead by crossing.

The Irish emerged from the break looking for a response but it was the home side who continued to dominate with Giteau sealing their fate with his pair of penalties.