Ireland vs Australia - Discussion Thread

[MMC]

First topic message reminder :

Ireland:
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Donncha O'Callaghan
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Stephen Ferris
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Eoin Reddan
10. Jonathan Sexton
11. Keith Earls
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll (c)
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Rob Kearney

Replacements:
16. Jerry Flannery
17. Tom Court
18. Donnacha Ryan
19. Denis Leamy
20. Conor Murray
21. Ronan O'Gara
22. Andrew Trimble


Australia:
15. Kurtley Beale (NSW Waratahs)
14. James O’Connor (Western Force)
13. Anthony Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
12. Pat McCabe (Brumbies)
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
8. Radike Samo (Queensland Reds)
7. David Pocock (Western Force)
6. Rocky Elsom (Brumbies)
5. James Horwill (Queensland Reds, captain)
4. Dan Vickerman (NSW Waratahs)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
1. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)

Reserves:
16. Tatafu Polota Nau (NSW Waratahs)
17. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
18. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
19. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
20. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
21. Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs)
22. Drew Mitchell (NSW Waratahs)

COME ON IRELAND!!

littlejohn's thread about how we can beat the Wallabies:

Would like to hear other people's views on what ireland need to do to have a chance of beating Australia this Saturday. Here are some of my naive thoughts on what needs to happen:

1. Ireland to play with same agression when they played England earlier this year. While ireland have not really performed since then, I'm quietly confident they'll be fired up for this game!

2. Steal some of Italy's tactics for the game. Italy did really well in the first half vs Oz by kicking very well timed up and unders (generally aimed at AAC), and they were very well organised in defence, which resulted in frustration creeping in for the Wallabies. If they had a decent 10 this might have been a lot closer!

3. Start with ROG - His tactical kicking and ability to vary it is in my opinion a better fit for this kind of game. We can always bring Sexton on later if we need to change tactics. I think he's also marginally better at kicking penalty and conversions.

4. Whereever Cooper is standing in defence run at him (ideally using O'Brien/Ferris) - Pretty obvious one this, although he does often stand deep covering full back off lineouts, etc.

5. Play Australia at their own game - Australia have been very good at putting pressure on rucks, but Ireland will need to do the same when Australia have the ball, slowing it down where possible to stop Genia getting into gear.

6. Leverage Bowe and Kearney's height - Cross field kicks (timed well) could reap rewards for us. Rog is excellent at this.

All in all I accept this will be a tall order, but Ireland play the underdog tag better than anyone! I'm praying it won't be yet another herioc defeat. Bring on Saturday!

[Mickado]

Class Wallaby team. As Gibbo said, the die has been cast, the nerves are already on edge, let's get behind them.

COME ON IRELAND!

[MMC]

Really looking forward to this one now!

[rodders]

Hi Boom - Watch out for Sean O'Brien (7 although usually a 6) and Ferris (6). If these guys get good go forward ball they're pretty great to watch in the loose SOB for his carries and Ferris for his big hits - neither are well known down here.

Pack wise its even IMO, apart from Pocock, we don't have an out and out 7 to put up against him, which is a worry as he is the best stealer in the game at the mo

Sadly can't see BOD being a big factor in this one - in fact a lot of people reckon he (and particularly his partner in the center) might be a liability.

I think I may have to find a quiet corner of the pub to watch this one

Yeah Ferris and O'Brien are likely to be our players to watch out for. Ferris has probably been our standout player over the past few games and O'Brien is the best player in Ireland if not Europe right now.

I wouldn't rule BOD out for having a big game though. He has been stuggling for form and fitness but he always seems to come up with something in these big games.

I'm expecting a big game from Sexton too and Bowe always seems to find the tryline. O'Connell has been leading from the front and looks fresh and hungry.

If we can find the form we produced against England in March, and there is no reason why we can't, then not only can we win this game, we can win it in style. However if we carry on in our current vein of form then this could be painful watching from an Irish perspective.

I can't wait for this one and I have to believe that our boys will produce the goods with our backs to the wall.

Hopefully we'll see a combination of the Leinster brilliance and belief that put the best sides in Europe to the sword with a ruthless efficiency rarely seen in the NH, the Munster passion and magic that pulled off those miracle match victories in Europe time and time again against the odds, the Ulster thranness and pride which beat Biarritz at their own game in a wet and windy Ravenhill and the Connacht spirit which has seen them punch above their weight week in and week out in the Magners league.

If we can bottle that into a green jersey that then there'll only be one winner .

[MMC]

If we can bottle that into a green jersey that then there'll only be one winner .

Australia?

In all seriousness though rodders, great post. BELIEVE!

[Mickado]

Hopefully we'll see a combination of the Leinster brilliance and belief that put the best sides in Europe to the sword with a ruthless efficiency rarely seen in the NH, the Munster passion and magic that pulled off those miracle match victories in Europe time and time again against the odds, the Ulster thranness and pride which beat Biarritz at their own game in a wet and windy Ravenhill and the Connacht spirit which has seen them punch above their weight week in and week out in the Magners league.

Well said sir, well said.

[D24tress]

Hopefully we'll see a combination of the Leinster brilliance and belief that put the best sides in Europe to the sword with a ruthless efficiency rarely seen in the NH, the Munster passion and magic that pulled off those miracle match victories in Europe time and time again against the odds, the Ulster thranness and pride which beat Biarritz at their own game in a wet and windy Ravenhill and the Connacht spirit which has seen them punch above their weight week in and week out in the Magners league.

Well said sir, well said.

times two

[Boyne]

Well in any case, at least the team have been listening to Gibson...:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup/irish-news/we-believe-drsquoarcy-revs-up-ireland-for-australia-showdown-2877068.html

[RDW]

All the best to Ireland - I'll be on the plane to NZ during the game (have I mentioned that a few times on 606v2??) but will be dying to find out how you'se get on when I land.

[Boyne]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup/irish-news/trimblersquos-world-cup-axing-has-rendered-aussies-speechless-2877433.html

Sin E- better send the Ozzies your stats... perhaps you can enlighten them too.....

RDW- safe flight and enjoy. When you hit Istanbul / Syria, bosh a valium and a few brandies and you'll be right

[Pal Joey]

Safe travels RDW... they'll probably have news highlights on the plane if you're still in the air and near Oz/NZ (after the game is over)

[Sin é]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup/irish-news/trimblersquos-world-cup-axing-has-rendered-aussies-speechless-2877433.html

Sin E- better send the Ozzies your stats... perhaps you can enlighten them too.....

RDW- safe flight and enjoy. When you hit Istanbul / Syria, bosh a valium and a few brandies and you'll be right

I'd say Ryan Constable would be very familiar with Andrew Trimble's stats.

http://www.cornerflag.net/andrew_trimble.htm

Ryan Constable is the MD of Cornerflag, the company that represents Andrew Trimble.

[rodders]

Sin you are not suggesting that Constable was not being entirely impartial in his analysis are you?

[Sin é]

Sin you are not suggesting that Constable was not being entirely impartial in his analysis are you?

Are you?

[WillyGilly]

What a pointless thing to do drawing attention to the fact that Constable is Trimble's agent. There wasn't a poster in here who wasn't surprised that Trimble didn't make the starting line up, stands to reason that others might have thought so as well.

[Sin é]

What a pointless thing to do drawing attention to the fact that Constable is Trimble's agent. There wasn't a poster in here who wasn't surprised that Trimble didn't make the starting line up, stands to reason that others might have thought so as well.

I don't really have an issue with what Ryan Constable has to say. I'd have a problem though with the Indo who went to great lengths to tell us about Constable's playing career and that he was an Aussie, but no mention whatsoever now that the two players he talks up are represented by him.

Andrew Trimble does not deserve to be associated with that kind of dishonesty.

By the way, Trevor Ringland's comments were spot on.

[rodders]

Actually I wasn't Willy. Not because I don't think he deserves to start based on his recent form but because Bowe and Kearney were nailed on starters at 14 and 15 respectively and I knew if it came down to a tight call between Earls and Trimble then Earls was always likely to get the nod.

Sin, I'm sure Constable is expressing his genuine opinion but I think the headline is a little..er.. misleading. The article should have made clear the connection between Constable and Trimble. I think what both he and Ringland are saying is pretty spot on, if a little unfair on Earls who brings a lot to the side too but has different strengths (and weaknesses).

The selection is made. I'm sure Earls will produce the goods and Trimble too if he gets on.

[BlueMuff]

What a pointless thing to do drawing attention to the fact that Constable is Trimble's agent. There wasn't a poster in here who wasn't surprised that Trimble didn't make the starting line up, stands to reason that others might have thought so as well.

Yes there was .... I wasnt surprised.

[Mickado]

What a pointless thing to do drawing attention to the fact that Constable is Trimble's agent. There wasn't a poster in here who wasn't surprised that Trimble didn't make the starting line up, stands to reason that others might have thought so as well.

Yes there was .... I wasnt surprised.

And i'm not surprised by that.

[asoreleftshoulder]

What a pointless thing to do drawing attention to the fact that Constable is Trimble's agent. There wasn't a poster in here who wasn't surprised that Trimble didn't make the starting line up, stands to reason that others might have thought so as well.

I don't really have an issue with what Ryan Constable has to say. I'd have a problem though with the Indo who went to great lengths to tell us about Constable's playing career and that he was an Aussie, but no mention whatsoever now that the two players he talks up are represented by him.

Andrew Trimble does not deserve to be associated with that kind of dishonesty.

By the way, Trevor Ringland's comments were spot on.

The excuse I can think of for them not mentioning it is they didn't know about it,this wouldn't really surprise me as there have been a few articles in the papers which have got there facts wrong.
So they're either incompetent or dishonest,whoever wrote the piece should go into politics.

[Sin é]

What a pointless thing to do drawing attention to the fact that Constable is Trimble's agent. There wasn't a poster in here who wasn't surprised that Trimble didn't make the starting line up, stands to reason that others might have thought so as well.

I don't really have an issue with what Ryan Constable has to say. I'd have a problem though with the Indo who went to great lengths to tell us about Constable's playing career and that he was an Aussie, but no mention whatsoever now that the two players he talks up are represented by him.

Andrew Trimble does not deserve to be associated with that kind of dishonesty.

By the way, Trevor Ringland's comments were spot on.

The excuse I can think of for them not mentioning it is they didn't know about it,this wouldn't really surprise me as there have been a few articles in the papers which have got there facts wrong.
So they're either incompetent or dishonest,whoever wrote the piece should go into politics.

Look - I'm not a journalist and I know that Ryan Constable represents most the Ulster team and quiet a few others from the other provinces. David Humphreys used to be involved as well with Cornerflag before he got his present job.

Their headline suggests that the Aussies (plural) think that its great news that Andrew Trimble is not starting. The facts are that one Aussie (in Belfast more than likely), thinks its a bad idea and he is his agent. The Indo knew enough about him to be able to contact him.

[boomeranga]

Just heard that Darcy and BOD break the appearance record this week for international centre pairings. Having followed most of the thread, it may not be exciting many of you this week, but still a great effort from them both.

[rodders]

I agree with Sin, it was a misleading headline. You can't blame Constable and certainly not Trimble though.

I doubt many ozzies have even heard of Earls or Trimble, although Trimble has saved some of his best displays for the SH teams in the summer tours.

[Rugby Uberlord]

Hope you win Ireland!!

[asoreleftshoulder]

What a pointless thing to do drawing attention to the fact that Constable is Trimble's agent. There wasn't a poster in here who wasn't surprised that Trimble didn't make the starting line up, stands to reason that others might have thought so as well.

I don't really have an issue with what Ryan Constable has to say. I'd have a problem though with the Indo who went to great lengths to tell us about Constable's playing career and that he was an Aussie, but no mention whatsoever now that the two players he talks up are represented by him.

Andrew Trimble does not deserve to be associated with that kind of dishonesty.

By the way, Trevor Ringland's comments were spot on.

The excuse I can think of for them not mentioning it is they didn't know about it,this wouldn't really surprise me as there have been a few articles in the papers which have got there facts wrong.
So they're either incompetent or dishonest,whoever wrote the piece should go into politics.

Look - I'm not a journalist and I know that Ryan Constable represents most the Ulster team and quiet a few others from the other provinces. David Humphreys used to be involved as well with Cornerflag before he got his present job.

Their headline suggests that the Aussies (plural) think that its great news that Andrew Trimble is not starting. The facts are that one Aussie (in Belfast more than likely), thinks its a bad idea and he is his agent. The Indo knew enough about him to be able to contact him.

Yeah I'm agreeing with you.

[rodders]

I have to say folks the closer we get to this game the more I think we will win.

Our form would suggest otherwise but I think the scene is set for a huge Irish performance. Everyone is writing us off and that is when we seem to perform our best.

Even when we won the GS it came on the back of a poor 2008 season and when expectation was really low. The croke park drubbing of England followed a sloppy and devestating loss to France. The performance against England in March came after a lack lustre defeat to Wales.

We have nothing to lose in this game and I think we'll see one of the great Irish performances of modern times!

[BlueMuff]

What a pointless thing to do drawing attention to the fact that Constable is Trimble's agent. There wasn't a poster in here who wasn't surprised that Trimble didn't make the starting line up, stands to reason that others might have thought so as well.

Yes there was .... I wasnt surprised.

And i'm not surprised by that.

And Im not surprised that your not surprised ...

[shantara]

I have to say folks the closer we get to this game the more I think we will win.

Our form would suggest otherwise but I think the scene is set for a huge Irish performance. Everyone is writing us off and that is when we seem to perform our best.

Even when we won the GS it came on the back of a poor 2008 season and when expectation was really low. The croke park drubbing of England followed a sloppy and devestating loss to France. The performance against England in March came after a lack lustre defeat to Wales.

We have nothing to lose in this game and I think we'll see one of the great Irish performances of modern times!

I'm starting to think the same. It may be blind faith born out of despair but one things for sure, there can be no excuses for a below par performance. This game is huge. We are pretty much full strength. We are being written off and are underdogs. The team are under pressure to perform and more than anyone, I think DK sees that a below par performance will result in the heat really being turned up on him.

It's time to believe, it's time to deliver!

[Sin é]

Sin E- better send the Ozzies your stats... perhaps you can enlighten them too.....

Oh and Boyne, they are big into their stats down south if this is anything to go by:

Stats for Aus v New Zealand - Trinations
http://www.ruggastats.com/games.aspx?G=333

they even do it for the 6Ns.
Ireland v England here:

http://www.ruggastats.com/games.aspx?G=223

Interesting that in the few minutes Denis Leamy was on, he forced the same number of turnovers as those who were on for most the game and Paul O'Connell (3), Brian O'Driscoll (2) and Eoin Reddan (2) has the most unforced errors.

Anyway, enjoy!

[rodders]

http://www.ruggastats.com/games.aspx?G=223

Interesting that in the few minutes Denis Leamy was on, he forced the same number of turnovers as those who were on for most the game and Paul O'Connell (3), Brian O'Driscoll (2) and Eoin Reddan (2) has the most unforced errors.

Anyway, enjoy!

Wow for a minute there Sin I thought you were going to point out that according to that link, Trimble made 4 times as many tackles, twice as many tackle assists and twice as many line breaks as Keith Earls, as well as making more % metres over the gainline.

[Sin é]

http://www.ruggastats.com/games.aspx?G=223

Interesting that in the few minutes Denis Leamy was on, he forced the same number of turnovers as those who were on for most the game and Paul O'Connell (3), Brian O'Driscoll (2) and Eoin Reddan (2) has the most unforced errors.

Anyway, enjoy!

Wow for a minute there Sin I thought you were going to point out that according to that link, Trimble made 4 times as many tackles, twice as many tackle assists and twice as many line breaks as Keith Earls, as well as making more % metres over the gainline.

eh, Earls was fullback that day. He didn't have to make a tackle as the forwards got the finger out. Better comparision would be Bowe v Trimble. Or have a look at Earls stats when he is on the wing.

[Mickado]

Earls kicked 50% more too. Wow, the magical word of selective stats is pretty fun!

[Sin é]

Earls kicked 50% more too. Wow, the magical word of selective stats is pretty fun!

But about 1000% less than when Luke Fitz was playing fullback

[rodders]

eh, Earls was fullback that day. He didn't have to make a tackle as the forwards got the finger out. Better comparision would be Bowe v Trimble. Or have a look at Earls stats when he is on the wing.

Well sir you seemed to find it relevent to compare Trimble and Earls stats from the last England game when Earls was playing centre?

Do I smell the whiff of hypocracy here?....

[Sin é]

eh, Earls was fullback that day. He didn't have to make a tackle as the forwards got the finger out. Better comparision would be Bowe v Trimble. Or have a look at Earls stats when he is on the wing.

Well sir you seemed to find it relevent to compare Trimble and Earls stats from the last England game when Earls was playing centre?

Do I smell the whiff of hypocracy here?....

Did I? I'd need to see what comparisons I used? Do you have a link?

[Rob B]

432 posts - difficult to see any discussion about the actual game though, so thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth. Mainly an obsession about who should be in or out of the Ireland team.

Not sure many are writing off Ireland though - perhaps a ploy to play the plucky underdog again. Cetrtainly Wallabies treating this as a do or die game. They won't be ambushed as has happened in the past. I have to say I have seen no evidence that Ireland are even near test match standard. With all the will, anger and smash 'em attitude in the world the evidence suggests a loss to the Wallabies on Saturday.

It should be very tight for the first half as many tests often are between the 6n/3n sides. I do not think Ireland offer much in attack and the Wallabies defense will be too strong. They did not concede a try against Italy and i do not think they will against Ireland either. I think in attack, Wallabies have too much class across the park to be frank and too many gamebreakers. They have a very settled team gaining form as each week rolls by- essentially the same side throughout the 3N this year.

If it rains, it will be closer no doubt.

But Ireland will need to bring the "perfect game" and based on their error rate in their past 5 games they seem to be struggling to execute the basics under pressure so I doubt they will. They will be good in patches I suspect.

[red_stag]

Rob - what are the inexperienced Aussie centres like defensively?

[Rob B]

Faingaa is there 100% for his defensive play - he saved a try against the ABs and caused a penalyy for Aust against the Boks this year. Without sounding biased - he is the best defending centre I have seen play the game. McCabe - a straight runner and again rock solid in defense He has kept his spot at 12 all year and I do not remember him missing a tackle.

[red_stag]

I've only ever seen McCabe play fullback where I actually saw him as an old fashioned Northern Hemisphere fullback. A straight runner, a hard man who is secure under the high ball and not after of a physical game. Not a bad option to put him at 12.

[rodders]

Not sure many are writing off Ireland though - perhaps a ploy to play the plucky underdog again. Cetrtainly Wallabies treating this as a do or die game. They won't be ambushed as has happened in the past. I have to say I have seen no evidence that Ireland are even near test match standard. With all the will, anger and smash 'em attitude in the world the evidence suggests a loss to the Wallabies on Saturday.

Hmm....no Rob, of course no one is writing us off. Clearly it's all just a ploy to to play the plucky underdog....

[Boyne]

Sin E- better send the Ozzies your stats... perhaps you can enlighten them too.....

Oh and Boyne, they are big into their stats down south if this is anything to go by:

Stats for Aus v New Zealand - Trinations
http://www.ruggastats.com/games.aspx?G=333

they even do it for the 6Ns.
Ireland v England here:

http://www.ruggastats.com/games.aspx?G=223

Interesting that in the few minutes Denis Leamy was on, he forced the same number of turnovers as those who were on for most the game and Paul O'Connell (3), Brian O'Driscoll (2) and Eoin Reddan (2) has the most unforced errors.

Anyway, enjoy!

Sorry, but you are a bore..

[Glas a du]

just a ploy to to play the plucky underdog....

Good move. You can't handle favouritism obviously.

[Tayto]

Guys not performing:

Heaslip
Darcy
Sexton
Earls

These guys better rucking raise their game or we will get a pounding.

Darcy is most certainly in the last chance saloon and if he has another howler then Kidney will be under severe pressure to ditch him
regardless of BOD's input.
The other 3 will have to up the ante and play to the level we all know they can.
I certainly want to see players being dropped if they do not perform, rather than excuses being made time and time again.

[Boyne]

Favouritism (sp) or being favorites? Some would say some on the Irish coaching set up are big fans of favouritism (sp)

[Rob B]

I've only ever seen McCabe play fullback where I actually saw him as an old fashioned Northern Hemisphere fullback. A straight runner, a hard man who is secure under the high ball and not after of a physical game. Not a bad option to put him at 12.

Agree stag - he was a wing/full back - only got his chance at 12 at the start of the international season because Barnes was injured and Giteau was on the outer. He is no twinkle toes in attack that's for sure, but they don;t need any more playmakers - he is a big guy, good at straightening the line and is not a bad foil for Cooper's more adventurous style.

[Sin é]

Sin E- better send the Ozzies your stats... perhaps you can enlighten them too.....

Oh and Boyne, they are big into their stats down south if this is anything to go by:

Stats for Aus v New Zealand - Trinations
http://www.ruggastats.com/games.aspx?G=333

they even do it for the 6Ns.
Ireland v England here:

http://www.ruggastats.com/games.aspx?G=223

Interesting that in the few minutes Denis Leamy was on, he forced the same number of turnovers as those who were on for most the game and Paul O'Connell (3), Brian O'Driscoll (2) and Eoin Reddan (2) has the most unforced errors.

Anyway, enjoy!

Sorry, but you are a bore..

You are hardly light entertainment yourself! A+ for predictability though.

[Rob B]

Not sure many are writing off Ireland though - perhaps a ploy to play the plucky underdog again. Cetrtainly Wallabies treating this as a do or die game. They won't be ambushed as has happened in the past. I have to say I have seen no evidence that Ireland are even near test match standard. With all the will, anger and smash 'em attitude in the world the evidence suggests a loss to the Wallabies on Saturday.

Hmm....no Rob, of course no one is writing us off. Clearly it's all just a ploy to to play the plucky underdog....

Got me there - I guess I am one of the "not many"

[Boyne]

Not sure many are writing off Ireland though - perhaps a ploy to play the plucky underdog again. Cetrtainly Wallabies treating this as a do or die game. They won't be ambushed as has happened in the past. I have to say I have seen no evidence that Ireland are even near test match standard. With all the will, anger and smash 'em attitude in the world the evidence suggests a loss to the Wallabies on Saturday.

Hmm....no Rob, of course no one is writing us off. Clearly it's all just a ploy to to play the plucky underdog....

Got me there - I guess I am one of the "not many"

Clearly not. But we'll welcome you back here on Monday morning for an admission of tort.

[shantara]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/cup-history-suggests-fighting-irish-will-be-anything-but-pushovers-20110915-1kbvn.html

[Sin é]

Rob - what are the inexperienced Aussie centres like defensively?

They probably learned a bit about playing in bad weather last autumn.
They sure didn't like Thomond Park or the weather conditions.

From that game:

Munster: J Murphy (S Deasy 75); D Howlett, K Earls (B Murphy 78), S Tuitupou, D Hurley; P Warwick, D Williams (C Murray 78); W Du Preez, D Varley (M Sherry 70), P Borlase (S Archer 78), B Holland, I Nagle (B Hayes 78), P O'Mahony (T O'Donnell 63), N Ronan, J Coughlan (capt).

Australia: L Turner (P Hynes 58); L Morahan, P McCabe, A Faingaa, R Davies; B Barnes (captain), L Burgess (N Phipps 58); B Daley (J Slipper 53), S Faingaa (T Polota-Nau 46), S Ma'afu, D Mumm, R Simmons, S Higginbotham (P McCutcheon HT), M Hodgson, R Brown (V Humphries 52). Ref: Bryce Lawrence (NZRU).


Australia have 2 starters and 4 subs. Conor Murray got 2 mins in that game! The final score was 15-6 to Munster.
Note the ref was Bryce Lawrence

As Gibbo would say - BELIEVE.

[rodders]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/cup-history-suggests-fighting-irish-will-be-anything-but-pushovers-20110915-1kbvn.html

Interesting article. Although Burke is being diplomatic about it he's indicating that Australia will target the Irish centres in defence. Who'd have thought a couple of seasons ago that D'arcy and O'Driscoll would be seen as a potential achilles heel?

He also highlights Sexton, our back 3 and the backrow, in a particular O'Brien as our main attacking threat.

Not much chance of catching them by surprise then on that front then!

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