Jamie Heaslip: Ireland can make a statement of intent in Australia

Jamie Heaslip says Ireland can make a serious statement of intent ahead of next year’s World Cup in Japan by beating Australia this month.

Ireland have not won on Australian soil since 1979, but Joe Schmidt takes his side to Brisbane this weekend as the world’s second-ranked side and on the back of a record 12 straight wins.

There’s a Grand Slam in the bag, while Leinster dominated Europe and the Guinness PRO14, but winning in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney will really show they’re a force to be reckoned with.