Saturday November 18

International Rules Series Second Test

Australia v Ireland, Perth, 8.45am (Irish time)

A substantial and stylish Irish performance will be necessary if the Cormac McAnallen Cup is to be retained.

Trailing by 10 points Ireland must deliver in Perth on Saturday. There were some encouraging signs in the first half of the First Test, but Australia took control in the third quarter.

That is when the serious damage was done. Nat Fyfe and Ben Brown caused Ireland plenty of bother and while Ireland launched a comeback mission late on the deficit was only trimmed to 10.

The concession of a second goal to Luke Shuey was another setback. Conor McManus and Michael Murphy, Ireland's two most effective players, continued to impress, but Australia closed the deal.

Enda Smith and Niall Murphy are expected to be available following illness, while the Irish panel has also been boosted by the arrival of Ciaran Sheehan and Darren Hughes.

Joe Kernan now has a few extra options for the upcoming encounter against an Australian outfit that used possession wisely.

Fourteen Australian players registered scores in the First Test, compared to Ireland's six. There was an over reliance on the brilliant McManus and Murphy for overs so Ireland will want to be clinical converting.

Goal chances were missed by Ireland and that is an area in which the visitors will be seeking to improve.

Ireland did start brightly edging 24-14 ahead early on, but Australia came thundering back to lead by one at the break.

When this Series is on significant debate and deliberation surrounds the 'Championship' or 'moving' third quarter, when Australia added another 14 points to their lead.

It meant that Ireland faced a tough task in the closing stages. To win the Series Ireland must secure a commanding victory.

Momentum and belief needs to be acquired by Ireland, who must start brightly in the Domain Stadium.