Declan Kidney laments Irish error count against Aussies

Brian O'Driscoll makes a break during the defeat to Australia

Ireland coach Declan Kidney says his side made too many errors in their 22-15 defeat by Australia in Brisbane.

"We made too many errors, especially when we were attacking, and that was frustrating," said Kidney.

"We defended stoutly but that left us short of energy at the end when we were trying to claw something back - in the end the result probably flattered us.

"There is now more competition for places and whoever plays well next season will get to wear the shirt."

"A lot of the possession they enjoyed was under our control as we gave them back the ball and, as a result, we were on the defensive a lot of the time," added Kidney.

Skipper Brian O'Driscoll said many of the Irish players were "on a learning curve".

"We had a number of players earning their first caps and it was all good experience - they will take a lot out of it.

I took some good advice on board and now I'm kicking better than ever Jonathan Sexton

"We haven't managed any victories on this tour and of course that is what you are judged on.

"We wanted to put a bit of pride back into our defensive game as we let ourselves down against New Zealand.

"Although we had a couple of lapses against Australia, we were fairly solid."

O'Driscoll conceded that the Wallabies deserved to win and that "the seven-point winning margin probably flattered us".

"The lads will now enjoy four or five weeks of holidays and try to freshen up for next year," he added.

Fly-half Jonathan Sexton was successful with each of his penalty attempts, having struggled to find his kicking form during the Six Nations championship.

"It was back to the drawing board a bit after that but I took some good advice on board and now I'm kicking better than ever," said the Leinster player.