Australia were dealt a major blow yesterday when their leading player Nathan Fyfe was ruled out of Saturday’s test.

We’re not going to try and sell you Saturday’s International Rules game, writes John Fogarty.

INTERNATIONAL RULES WARM-UP:

VFL Selection 27 (1-5-6) Ireland 100 (9-11-13)

Paul Earley expects the Australians to try and make next month’s test in Perth an intimidating one for his players after Ireland’s last two series successes by considerable margins.

Ireland coach Paul Earley has applauded Australia for demonstrating their faith in the International Rules concept after naming what he regards as their best squad ever.

Australia 14 Argentina 13

Cian Healy’s British and Irish Lions tour could be over in the next 24 hours.

Cian Healy faces an anxious wait from the medics and a judicial hearing this morning while Conor Murray could also be in disciplinary hot water on an otherwise encouraging night for the Irish contingent in the Lions’ victory over the Western Force.

Warren Gatland knows there will be tougher days than the one his British & Irish Lions faced in Western Australia yesterday, starting this Saturday in Brisbane, yet you could not blame the head coach for feeling a little pleased with the ruthless way his team dispatched their opponents.

British and Irish Lions prop Cian Healy has been cited for allegedly biting an opponent.

WESTERN FORCE 17 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS 69

The British & Irish Lions will go into today’s clash with Western Force with a warning from Warren Gatland not to react to provocation.

The Western Force may have other priorities but that will not concern the British & Irish Lions one bit as they begin the Australian leg of their tour at Patersons Stadium in Perth this morning (11am Irish time).