O'Gara proved his class - O'Driscoll - Sport in brief

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O'Gara's erratic year has continued into the new season with Leinster youngster Jonathan Sexton being touted as a genuine alternative for the number 10 jersey. But O'Driscoll was impressed by the Munster veteran's display against the Wallabies, despite his loose pass that enabled winger Drew Mitchell to give Australia a third minute-lead.

"I thought Ronan was really good. He controlled the game very well and passed very well," he said.

"That first pass was a fraction too deep but we'll take 50-50 blame for that. His kicking was good and he read things well.

"It was a big performance - not that any of his team-mates who have played with him a lot of time felt he needed it.

"He's involved in a team that's top of their Heineken Cup group and three points off the lead in the Magners League yet people are giving a little about him. That's rough."

O'Gara converted O'Driscoll's try with the last kick of the match to secure Ireland a share of the spoils.

It was no more than the Grand Slam champions deserved given their refusal to concede defeat after former Leinster back row Rocky Elsom crossed in the 62nd minute to establish a 20-13 lead.

Throwing everything they had at the Wallabies, Tommy Bowe almost wriggled over for his second try before O'Driscoll intervened at the crucial moment.

"I'm pleased we were rewarded for showing the bottle to stick with them until the death and grind out a draw," added the Ireland skipper.