Still nagging concern that Ireland expend huge energy posting scores

It is the exhaustive work required to secure those points, with tries even harder to come by, that leave Ireland exposed, says Donal Lenihan.

International rugby of the highest quality was on show in Melbourne Saturday in what is turning out to be an enthralling test series. One suspects even the traditionally one-eyed Wallaby supporters will be pleased that everything now goes down to the wire when their compatriots meet Ireland for a third consecutive weekend in Sydney.

By all accounts, that test has been sold out for weeks with the large Irish community based in the city committed to securing their tickets weeks ago. As a consequence, Ireland are expected to have an even bigger following than they enjoyed at AAMI Park on Saturday night where the support for the team was inspirational.