SIX years after Australian captain Chris Johnson and Co. dragged the International Rules series into the mire there, Ireland return to the stadium previously known as the Telstra Dome.

AS if preparing a scratch team of amateurs for a hybrid test series against professionals wasn’t difficult enough, Anthony Tohill must also deal with the frustrating complications of the GAA’s convoluted fixtures calendar.

AUSTRALIA dominated almost six of the eight quarters but in the final period at Croke Park on Saturday night, such was the passion and understanding for what is required to prosper in this game, that Ireland almost produced an unlikely victory.

Ireland 52 (1-11-13) Australia 55 (0-14-13) (Australia win series 102-92)

INTERNATIONAL Rules festivities concluded in Limerick on Saturday night with a dazzling fireworks display on the banks of the Shannon.

INTERNATIONAL RULES: Ireland 40 (1-8-10) Australia 47 (0-14-5)

IRISH boss Anthony Tohill believes that the Australians improved skills with the round ball means his squad no longer have a clear advantage ahead of tonight’s International Rules First Test in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

IRELAND boss Anthony Tohill has finalised his squad for Saturday night’s International Rules First Test in the Gaelic Grounds by drafting in Kildare defender Emmett Bolton and Offaly attacker Niall McNamee for the clash against Australia.

IRISH International Rules selector Kevin O’Brien has warned against underestimating Mick Malthouse’s young and inexperienced touring Australians ahead of the upcoming two-test series.

NEW Australia International Rules captain Dustin Fletcher says there will be no repeat of the violence which marred last year’s test series in Melbourne.

Essendon full-back Dustin Fletcher, who will be Australia's goalkeeper for the upcoming International Rules series, will captain his country in Saturday's first Test against Ireland.

Australian coach Kevin Sheedy has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming Coca-Cola International Rules series against Ireland.

Australia 63 Ireland 42

Australia comfortably claimed the 2005 International Rules Series and the Cormac McAnallen Cup today as Pete McGrath's Ireland side were soundly beaten 63-42 in a hard-edged second Test in Melbourne.

Australia comfortably claimed the 2005 International Rules Series and the Cormac McAnallen Cup in Melbourne today as Pete McGrath's Ireland side were soundly beaten 63-42 in front of 45,428 spectators at the Telstra Dome.

Australia 100 (2-27-7) Ireland 64 (3-11-13)

Australian coach Kevin Sheedy has named a speed-laden, new-look squad for the forthcoming International Rules Series with Ireland.