Ireland look better prepared for second clash with Australia

Second Test
RTE2, 8.45am Saturday

Ireland take on Australia in the second Test of the International Rules series in Perth hoping to atone for last week's ten-point loss.

Ireland started brightly in the first game at the Adelaide Oval as Australia struggled to cope with their long kicking to the full-forward line and Michael Murphy and Conor McManus caused havoc up front. But Australia tightened up their defence and Ireland struggled to get scores in the second half.

Australia proved that their lack of experience with the round ball is not an issue, and they moved it through their hands and took scores from distance with ease.

Ireland struggled with the kicking game, making numerous mistakes in an area they would have expected to dominate.

Conor McManus was one of the few Ireland players who made a mark on the game, finishing with seven overs, but Australia will be keen to cut out his threat this time.

Ireland have drafted in Darren Hughes and Ciaran Sheehan and the squad will have learned a lot from last weekend.

Having had the use of only six substitutes for much of the game last week, compared to Australia’s eight, Ireland felt the heat in the third quarter.

They should be much better prepared this time and while they may struggle to overcome the ten-point deficit to win the series, they can at least go close to winning this Test.

Recommendations
Ireland +9.5
2pts 5-6 Paddy Power
Ireland to win by one to ten points
1pt 4-1 Paddy Power

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter@racingpostsport

Like us on FacebookRacingPostSport