Ireland will prevail, but you can expect some thunder from Down Under

IRELAND must expect an Australian backlash in the second and decisive International Rules Series Test at Croke Park tomorrow, (RTÉ TWO, 2.10pm).

Though the Irish hold a commanding 36-point lead, their visiting opponents have had a week of tough training, and tough talking.

Manager Gary Lyon has pinpointed areas of concern from that humiliation and has vowed to put things right as they attempt to retain the title.

The issue of tackling was one of the key failures for the Aussies, but Irish selector John O'Leary wants some credit to be given to the gaelic players in that regard.

"We were better in the tackle than people thought we would be, but we worked very hard at it," he stated.

"We also set out to improve in our scoring of three-pointers and we achieved that. Steven Cluxton did exactly what he was asked to do in goal and it meant that we were able to build on our kick-outs and keep possession from marks. And we also put pressure on their kick-outs.

"But we are not getting carried away. It's still only half-time."

The excellence of the Irish finishing was the main reason why they enjoy such a margin tomorrow. Over the four quarters they scored 17 overs (three-pointers). Last year, Ireland managed just 10 overs in each test and the previous year they accumulated 22 over the series.

In each of the last two series, the team which lost the opening test came back strongly in the second game.

Twelve months ago, after losing by 10 points in Perth, Ireland recovered to win by three points in Melbourne (and maintain an unbeaten record in the MCG).

In Croke Park two years ago, Australia won by seven points in the first game and a week later the teams played a draw. In contrast, the previous two series were decided by 25-point margins, 130-105 for Ireland in 2001 and 123-98 for Australia in 2000.

The Australians will present a more formidable challenge, involving a more physical approach. Australia have the potential to do much better but, without so many of the players who backboned their winning team last year, I can't envisage the Irish team struggling so much that they would surrender the whole 36-point lead.