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.