‘Adapting to Rules a challenge’

THE element of compromise on both sides is what makes the International Rules Series so appealing to players and the public, the Australian manager Gary Lyon stated yesterday.

Saying they were “absolutely delighted” with the way the series has been running, he pointed out that results indicated that the games were invariably close and tight.

“Make no mistake, we are envious (of the Irish players) - particularly their control of the ball with their feet at ground level. And we are envious of the way they kick it, but we just don’t get upset about it,” he said.

“The challenge for us is to get our head around controlling the ball and being able to kick it.

“For the Irish, the challenge is to get to grips with the tackling and the physical side of it.

“I reckon that’s what makes it a great series.”

Encouraged by the news that pre-ticket sales had exceeded the 30,000 mark, the Australian manager said that he loved coming to Ireland as the crowds were so passionate about the game.

He described his last visit here two years ago as one “of the great experiences of his (distinguished) footy career” - because they won.

Australia will be captained by James Hird, who takes over from Shane Crawford.

One of their outstanding players over the last two series, Crawford broke his arm midway through the season.

The captain in 2000, when the visitors won both games in Croke Park, Hird explained that he had missed out in the interim period because of injuries which required surgery in the off-season.

“It’s a great game to play,” he said. “The guys really enjoy it. It’s a lot quicker than Australian football.

“Our game is more stop-start and has a lot more scrums and packs. But this game keeps going. You have to be on your toes the whole time.

“It’s really enjoyable - and great fun to try to kick that round ball.”

And he feels that the speed of the game has increased since he was last involved.

“The Irish look very good. They won the game in Melbourne last year and led for a lot of the game in Perth.

“They were probably very unlucky not to win the series. The games have always been very close and I expect it to be that way this time.”