Aussies prepare for physical match against Ireland

George Gregan has warned Ireland that Australia will be turning up the intensity in preparation for next weekend’s eagerly-awaited World Cup clash in Melbourne.

The Wallabies showed their ruthless edge to set a plethora of world records in Saturday afternoon's romp past Namibia in the Adelaide sunshine.

But Gregan insisted his squad would not spend too long reflecting on the glory of that 22-try, 142-0 goldwash of the Africans, because they cannot afford to take their eye off the Irish.

“The guys enjoyed creating a bit of history, but that game’s gone. We won’t fall into the trap of celebrating what we did the week before,” said the Wallabies skipper, who missed the game as coach Eddie Jones rotated his squad.

“It’s all business focussing on Ireland. Everyone will be switched on and focussed on what is a big week.

“The attitude within our group is we are always looking for improvement and we know we need to improve.

“We will be playing a team that will contest everything very physically and fiercely and we will be prepared for that.”

Ireland ensured the game, under the Telstra Dome roof in Melbourne, will be a dramatic shootout for first place in Pool A after yesterday’s thrilling 16-15 victory over Argentina.

Gregan, who scored twice against a weakened Ireland side in Perth earlier this year, sensed the World Cup really upped a gear this weekend, with England forced to battle past Samoa.

From now on it is big games all the way for Australia following the routs of Romania and Namibia – and Gregan believes the experience of facing Argentina in the opening game and Ireland this weekend will leave them in good stead.

“This week is a big Test match, and from there it is big games. The World Cup is starting to heat up,” said Gregan.

“It’s nice to know as you get deeper in the tournament that you have had that experience of playing tough matches, that you have been put under pressure, that things haven’t always gone to plan and you have come through it.

“That is the challenge that lies ahead this week against Ireland.”

The thumping victory in the mis-match against Namibia has thrown up a number of selection posers, with full-back Chris Latham throwing his hat in the ring with five tries.

Lock David Giffin, who was playing his first game since being stretchered off against Argentina, came through half an hour unscathed while Mat Rogers was devastating on the wing, Matt Giteau impressive at fly-half and Lote Tuqiri made the most of a rare start.

“It’s exactly how we want it to be,” said assistant coach Ewen McKenzie.

“We want to have at least two players for each position, if not more and we have more in some with the versatility of players.

“The playing base is intact, injuries aren’t an issue, so from a selection point of view we have got the perfect scenario.”