Stability key for Wallabies in hunt to end Irish hoodoo

Sun, Jun 28, 2026, 5:32 AM
Justin Chadwick - AAP
by Justin Chadwick - AAP

The Wallabies are banking on stability rather than relying on anything special when they try to end their losing streak against Ireland in the upcoming Nations Championship.

Ireland have won five straight Tests against Australia, including last year's 46-19 romp in Dublin, with the Wallabies not tasting success against the world No.3 nation since 2018.

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But utility back Max Jorgensen feels the Wallabies are ready to end that losing run, and they'll get their chance when they host Ireland at Allianz Stadium in Sydney next Saturday.

Jorgensen takes comfort from the fact Australia almost beat Ireland in 2024 - a heartbreaking 22-19 loss in Dublin.

"Look, they're all humans at the end of the day," Jorgensen said on Sunday. "We don't need to do anything special, we just need to play our game.

"We came very close to them two years ago there in Ireland ... we just fell short. 

"So it's nothing special, it's just playing our game, and when we're at our best, not many teams can beat us."

Jorgensen feels the stability of the Wallabies squad could prove to be a major weapon.

"It's been a very similar squad now for almost two or three years," Jorgensen said. "There are a couple of fresh faces, which is always nice but we're gelling really well now.

"We've played lots of games together, and it starts to click that little bit easier."

Competition for spots in the Wallabies backline is set to be fierce.

With fullback Tom Wright fit and back in the squad, Jorgensen isn't yet sure whether he'll be required in the No.15 jersey or on the wing.

Either way, Jorgensen sees competition for spots as a good thing, and he will do whatever the team needs of him.

"One hundred per cent that's what you want - we want competition in every position around the park," Jorgensen said.

"Someone goes down, someone just as good steps in.

"You want to keep competing every week to keep your spot, because at the end of day no one owns the jersey.

"I don't care where I play - wing, fullback, on the bench, not in the squad - whatever I can do for this team."

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