Aussies spurred by desire for redemption

JOINT captain Chris Johnson says Australian will be on a mission 'of redemption' when they meet Ireland in the first of their two Tests tomorrow.

"What happened last year, when we went down in the two tests, was different from what we were used to in the Australian jersey,'' he commented. "Hopefully, we can redeem ourselves in this series and get back on top.''

Johnson, from the Brisbane Lions club which attempted to lure Tyrone star Sean Cavanagh, is one of the small group of players who has previous experience of the series.

He played in the two tests in Croke Park in 2002, the second of which attracted the biggest crowd in the history of the series - 71,521. He was the team's second leading scorer that day with nine points.

Australia won as a result of victory in the first game and two years ago he was again involved as Australia won a home series at the fifth attempt.

"We get paid as professionals and the Irish guys are amateurs. The other big difference is that we get to play with the round ball. We have had only a couple of days with it, but it's not a massive problem. We are improving the (kicking) skills and getting things together. Hopefully we can put them into place on Friday night.''

Away from the competitive side of the games, Johnson acknowledges that the players from the different states enjoy coming together.

"Coming from Brisbane means that I don't get to mix with the boys in Melbourne and Victoria. So getting picked for the series is a great opportunity to meet guys that you play against and guys you see on television. Not only do you judge them by their football knowledge, you get to know them as people.''

He says that the Lions would have been happy to welcome Cavanagh but stressed they weren't going to 'push' him into joining. "He didn't want to come out and sign a contract, which would have been a great experience for him,'' he added. "We have had plenty of guys move up from Victoria and the club really looks after young guys.

"From what I know he was one of a couple of players who caught the eye of our football manager Graham Allen at a training camp in Ireland a few months ago. He thought he could make the change (to Aussie Rules) easily and he was offered a contract.

"It's not easy to make the transition. It's a long way from home, but the guys who have done it - Jim (Stynes) and Tadhg (Kennelly) - excelled. I was particularly happy to see Tadhg get up there and get his medal after Sydney won the Grand Final. I know what it feels like to win a Premiership and for someone who comes from a different code it was impressive. I was pleased for him. And his little dance was good too!

"Tadhg puts his hands up every year to play for the Irish and it's unfortunate that he has a couple of niggles and misses the series. But I'm sure that they will be able to replace him.''

The Australian team will have plenty of pace, he points out - stressing that he himself "is no Olympic sprinter" - but he dismissed suggestions of an over-physical approach. They will go out "to play the ball."