Australians aggression could end International Rules series

The son of the late Australian Rules star Harry Beitzel who pioneered the International Rules concept fears the hybrid initiative could be undermined by an over-aggressive Australian side over the coming two weekends.

Journalist and mental health counsellor Brad Beitzel, whose father brought “The Galahs” to face Ireland in 1967 and ‘68, worries that the home team will go overboard with a physical approach.

“One of the anxieties I have about the coming two tests — and I know it’s a constant part of the narrative — is the Australians becoming too physical. It doesn’t honour the tradition of the game and I think a couple of times we’ve been lucky the Irish have agreed to come back because, clearly, the Australians are physical.