Wet and windy weather makes Irish at home in Perth

WHILE the travel brochures promised Mediterranean temperatures and sun-drenched beaches, Perth was simply wet and windy yesterday morning as Ireland trained at the Fremantle Oval on the outskirts of the city.

It was a chilly 13 degrees in the shade in Perth's trendy western suburb and the Irish squad were well wrapped up as they went through a two-hour session.

The training spin unfolded against a mixed backdrop of sunshine and showers and scrum-half Peter Stringer took a full part despite his thumb injury.

At the end of the training session, which coincided with the end of the Australian Football League's Fremantle Dockers workout at the same ground, a number of players from both teams tried their hand at the different codes.

After training had ended the Irish players could be seen strolling around town, surfing the net and relaxing in the lobby of their hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Fremantle is on the crest of an AFL wave right now with their local club riding high in the Premiership.

Throw in the fact that Perth's West Coast Eagles are currently second in the same competition and you get an idea of the current sporting enthusiasm sweeping through the streets.

The fact that Perth Glory secured the Australian National Soccer League title last weekend merely adds to the interest in this latest sporting carnival to hit Western Australia.

Already, 35,000 tickets are believed to have been sold for tomorrow's Test with more expected to be snapped up before kick-off. Perth is a magnet for Irish backpackers and many are expected to flock to the game.