There will be plenty of new faces for the Wallabies when they square off with the Six Nations Champions in the first international of the Australian rugby season.
Wallabies coach Micheal Cheika has named an exciting squad that includes rookies Jack Maddocks, Tom Banks, Caleb Timu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Folau Fainga’a. Towering Crusaders lock Pete Samu is also expected to debut in the run on side after securing a release from New Zealand Rugby.
The Irish have an impressive record against Australia and are riding a twelve-match winning streak that has seen them rise to number two in the world rankings. They have dominated their recent clashes against the Wallabies in the Northern hemisphere, winning three of the last four games.
While they haven’t won in Australia since 1979, the three-test series gives Joe Schmidt’s men the perfect opportunity to notch a win over a potential rival for the World Cup next year in Japan.
Win-Draw-Win
While Australia’s struggles in Super Rugby have been well documented, the Wallabies have the perfect chance to launch a bold claim for silverware this season with a win over Ireland in the First Test in Brisbane.
Cheika has gambled with a host of rookies being included in the side alongside Israel Folau, Will Genia, Bernard Foley and David Pocock. The Brumbies backrower will be looking to stamp his authority on the Test Series after taking twelve months out of the game in a bid to reinvigorate himself for another tilt at the Webb Ellis Trophy neat year in Japan.
While Ireland are coming off a record season that saw them clinch the Six Nations title with memorable wins over Scotland and England, Joe Schmidt’s men won’t be taking the Wallabies lightly.
Ireland have struggled in the past in Australia and the Wallabies are excellent value in the market place at $2.10 to pull off an upset victory in the First Test.
Tip: Australia to win ($2.10)