Kidney unlikely to ring the changes

THE mind games began early.

Eleven days before Ireland were due to take on Australia, coach Declan Kidney reminded us that “since the game went professional, we have only beaten them twice in 10 meetings.”

Actually, it’s not all that bad a record given Australia have twice been world champions and for much of the decade referred to, Ireland were struggling manfully to keep their heads above water. Now, of course, they have done a whole lot more and no doubt that’s one reason why Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom felt entitled to claim over the weekend “we’re up against the best the Irish side ever.”