Mike McCarthy: Expect Wallabies match to be a grueller

As Ireland lick their All Blacks-inflicted wounds, Leinster lock Mike McCarthy warns a focused Australia will also pose an imposing physical challenge, with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika calling the Ireland clash the biggest game of his side’s tour.

During McCarthy’s Connacht days, he faced Cheika when the Sydney native was Leinster coach, and is familiar with his abrasive style.

“He’s real big on his physicality. He obviously wants them to be extremely physical and front up. I suppose like most teams, they want to win up front. He will be looking for them to have a strong set-piece,” McCarthy remarked at Leinster HQ.