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Ireland v Australia
Croke Park, Dublin
Sunday, November 15th

After Australia’s opening Autumn series win against England at Twickenham last weekend, the Aussies are off to Croke Park on Sunday, to try and maintain the possibility of a rout over the home nations. With none of the home nations exactly lighting up the rugby world, with Wales scraping past Samoa and Scotland just doing enough to see off Fiji, who are now managed by ex-England boss Andy Robinson, this could be the big outbreak of excitement of the Autumn internationals.

France did surprisingly beat South Africa on Friday, and with England looking less than good in their win over Argentina, Northern Hemisphere rugby could do with another boost. Ireland v Australia has thrown up some great games in the past, especially at the 2005 World Cup. The Irish are in a large part, the most accomplished of the home nations, in control, poise and attacking flair, and they will be led onto the park by Brian O’Driscoll who steps up to claim his 100th Test cap for his nation. It was against Australia that O’Driscoll, the creative midfielder won his first cap ten years ago.

Australia did an easy job on England, beating them 18-9, but Ireland should pose much more of a threat to the Tri-Nations side than Martin Johnson’s men did. The Irish, 2009 Grand Slam Champions, are a stronger unit, and have the individuals, as well as the team structure to attack and get over the gain line, whereas England just went from side to side and backwards. Australia will start with the same team that beat England, except for David Pocock coming into replace George Smith. The Australians started slowly in the match, and that is the area in which Ireland will look to capitalise. A strong start will help to build momentum for the match, especially with the passion flowing from the home support.

Up against Australia though, they will be playing against a thinking rugby team, who are tactically aware of what the opposition are doing, and can find ways to change the game. The Aussies are considered to be the weakest of the Tri-Nations teams at the moment, finishing bottom of the group and struggling to keep up with South Africa and New Zealand. Ireland though have only beaten the Aussies 8 times in 27 attempts. This is probably the strongest Irish team for some time and likely to give Australia a real test on home soil. The Irish are strong up front, and if they can keep the ball in hand, they have the strength and technical ability to push a relatively young Australian pack backwards. The Irish have experience and enthusiasm. The Aussies have great natural, technical ability.

Ireland to win: 4/5 at SportingBet
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
Australia: 20/8 at Stan James

Betting Advice: Even though the result for the Australia against England wasn’t a massive gap, this should be even closer. With a strong Munster and Leinster presence, this is an Irish team which are familiar with each other and can pull of a good win here.