Let’s get physical

IRISH manager Pete McGrath has broken new ground with the use of rugby tackle bags in preparation for the first test against Australia in the International Rules Series at the Subiaco Oval on Friday.

It formed an integral part of the squad's first training session yesterday, less than 12 hours after checking into their hotel after an exhausting flight, and is aimed at counteracting what they anticipate will be "a high level of physicality" from the home team.

"We prefer to use tackle bags because they reduce the risk of injury. It's just to get the players into the mind set of this type of tackle, which is alien to our game,'' McGrath said.