Thrilling test gives International Rules new lease of life

Ireland 56 (3-11-5) Australia 52 (1-13-7): Maybe now the International Rules series will be allowed to live in peace without the persistent threat of execution. Maybe now it will be allowed to develop into something more than it has been up until now.

For the second successive year, the one-off test was a nail-biter, but this time the roles were reversed. Australia were beaten but unbowed, just as Ireland were in Perth last year. The losing players were again left wanting more, as were the spectators at Croke Park.

A two-test series is all but confirmed for next year but, while Ireland may have been successful on Saturday, the fate of the concept remains with Australia, and whether they will be able to attract as accomplished a group of players as this crew in 2016. Pride may just compel the AFL’s best to lace up again.