It was a Player of the Match-winning performance that balanced Doris's awesome athleticism and tactical intelligence. In a tightly-fought contest that was too hard to call going deep into the game, Doris's influence radiated across the Aviva Stadium, setting the tone for what many believe is an inevitable elevation to another significant captaincy role now that Andy Farrell will depart for British and Irish Lions duty.
This was not just a good performance; it was the work of a player who understands the rhythm of Test rugby and has mastered how to control it. Doris’s statistics alone make for impressive reading: 12 carries (just two shy of centre Robbie Henshaw's total), 15 tackles (the most by any Irish player), and carrying for 72 metres - more than any forward on the field, and even surpassing Australia's top performer, fullback Tom Wright.
The back rower also beat two defenders, but those numbers only tell part of the story. His defensive organisation held Ireland together in crucial phases, his ability to carry through traffic gave them forward momentum, and his presence lifted those around him.
Asked on TNT Sports after the match how he felt after beating Australia, Doris said: "There's relief but definitely enjoyment as well. [Australia are] a quality side, Joe Schmidt-coached so they're always going to be top-class. Their attack was right up there. It was a challenge throughout, proper back and forth, but I'm delighted with the outcome."
For those who have watched Doris closely over the years, such displays are no surprise. The Ballina-born flanker, 26, has built his career on reliability and adaptability, qualities honed through his early days at Blackrock College and his rise with Leinster. He is more than a back row enforcer: he is a thinking player, capable of exploiting space like a centre and imposing himself like a lock. Against Australia, this game intelligence was on full display; almost as if a coach was on the pitch mucking in with his players.
Doris’s performance was the cherry on top of what has been an outstanding campaign for him this Autumn Nations Series, one which evolved following a disappointing opening-night loss to the All Blacks. It also brought echoes of his 2021 November campaign, where he earned Player of the Series honours for a string of commanding displays that elevated his status beyond Europe. Since then, his improvement has been steady but significant, growing into a player who can not only adapt to the chaos of elite Test rugby but also thrive within it.
The timing of Doris’s masterclass couldn’t have been more pertinent. With Andy Farrell's imminent Lions secondment, Doris’s name has been thrown into the mix as a potential captain of the touring party. His calm demeanour, tactical acumen, and innate ability to galvanise teammates make him a natural fit for the role. In fact, it would be a surprise if Doris is not selected for the job, and nobody would be more surprised than the Wallabies and their head coach, Joe Schmidt, who failed to contain Doris here in Dublin.
For now, though, Doris remains a relatively understated figure who lets his rugby do the talking. When Ireland’s players and fans left the Aviva Stadium, the conversation would have been fairly unanimous: this was a performance from a player destined to lead.
