Ireland can get better in Sydney

Wed, Jun 20, 2018, 6:00 AM
AAP
by AAP
Ireland Forwards Coach Simon Easterby dismissed claims by Australia that his side illegally blocked Israel Folau from competing in the air during the second Test in Melbourne. Easterby also suggested there would be changes ahead of this weekend.

Ireland are banking on ramping up their own performance level to score a series clinching win over a smarting Wallabies side.

The series between Australia and the Six Nations champions will be decided in Sydney on Saturday after they split the first two Tests.

Australia won the opener in Brisbane, Ireland rebounded spectacularly in Melbourne, leaving everything to play for in Sydney.

"I think we saw in the first Test how physical they can be and if they get their attacking game going, then they can be a threat from one to 15," Ireland forwards' coach Simon Easterby said.

"I expect them to respond, but I also expect us to get better as well and I think if that's the case, then we're looking at a pretty special 80 minutes hopefully on the weekend.


"I think the team that wins those physical battles but also is as accurate as they can be, will be the big deciding factor on Saturday night."

It's the first three-Test series between the two nations and only Ireland's second one away to a southern hemisphere nation after touring South Africa in 2016.

"We're playing for something special, something that hasn't been done," Easterby said.

"The last time we won (a two-match series) in Australia was 39 years ago. To win a Test series in the southern hemisphere is a difficult thing to do.

"We found that out in South Africa when we were 1-0 up and we came away with a 2-1 loss.


"These experiences are great for what will happen hopefully in 15,16 months time (at the World Cup)."

Despite coming at the end of a draining 12-month period in which several players went on the Lions 2017 tour of New Zealand and played in Leinister's double-cup winning side as well as the Six Nations triumph, the Irish have relished the challenge of a three- match end of season series.

"I like them (three Test series) personally, I think the players enjoy them," Easterby said.

"I think they feel that there is something special to play for and we don't travel to the southern hemisphere every season.

"When you get the chance to play the same side three times it adds different dynamics (as opposed) to playing three different teams.

"You've got to work out ways of trying to outsmart a team."

The Wallabies take on Ireland in Sydney in the third June Test, kicking off at 8:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Channel Ten and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

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