McGrath urges players to set sights on another win

Ireland hold a 36-point advantage going into today's second and final test against the Australians in the International Rules series at Croke Park.

However, despite the seemingly unassailable lead, Irish boss Pete McGrath has told his charges that he wants them to go all-out for another win.

McGrath said his team will not sit on the advantage and hold out for their first win since 2001 in front of the 50,000-strong crowd at headquarters.

One of Ireland's strengths last week was experience. The home side had 10 players in the starting 15 who had played International Rules before, whereas Australia had only four.

McGrath and his charges fully expect an Aussie backlash following the margin of victory last week.

The Aussies will have learned from the first test - in particular not to let Ireland's forwards have so much time on the ball - so tight marking and decisive tackling should be expected from the visitors.

Ireland go into the test without Armagh attacker Steven McDonnell, who suffered a recurrence of a foot injury in last week's victory.

Tipperary sharp-shooter Declan Browne should fill his place in attack.

Cork's Ó hAilpín brothers are also free to play, as the Cork County Board deferred the county hurling final for a week.

Na Piarsaigh's Seán Óg and Setanta Ó hAilpín were due to line out for their club in today's scheduled county hurling final against Cloyne, but the match has been put back to next Sunday.

Setanta has returned to club hurling for the close season of his AFL club Carlton, but both played in last week's first test, with the elder Ó hAilpín making a huge impression - especially in light of the fact that he has not played inter-county football since 1999.

Aussie vice-captain Nathan Brown, the visitors' best player last week, has signalled his side's intent, saying they are "hell-bent" on making up the 77-41 deficit.

However, it looks a bridge too far for the Australians, and Ireland remain on course to reclaim the newly-named Cormac McAnallen trophy today, for the first time since 2001.