The problem with a one-Test series like the International Rules is the lack of comparative analysis. Australia beat Ireland by 10 points last year after surviving a spirited second-half comeback, and that’s about all we have to go on before tomorrow evening’s showdown at Croke Park.
No wonder the Australians can so easily predict what kind of strategy to expect from Joe Kernan’s Ireland team: “Last year we started well and maybe caught them a little unaware,” says Harry Taylor, of AFL club Geelong Cats. “We started the game well with our pressure, and we managed to execute that well.
“The second half the Irish changed the way they played, and we probably caught us a little flat footed. That gave them a chance to come back, but fortunately for us we held on in what turned out to be a close game.
“So we are expecting Ireland to play a little bit more like they did in the second half. Only for the whole game.”
Compromise game
Indeed that goes without saying. Ireland were left trailing Australia 35-7 at half-time in Perth last year, and although they won the second half 39-21, it was too little, too late.
For Taylor last year’s series was his first experience with the compromise game, although he’d already heard plenty about it.
“I loved the experience. It was an exciting time as an AFL footballer to get the opportunity to represent Australia and I got to meet players who for a long time I had played against and get to know them on a personal level. And a great chance to experience the game, that I had heard a lot about it prior to the series.”
Over half of last year’s panel (14 of the 22) are back for tomorrow’s game and, like last year, the entire squad are previous All Australian (their equivalent of the All Stars) winners. It’s already being described as a better prepared team to last year, too, even if their planned practice match in New York last weekend was cancelled.
“That didn’t really matter,” says Taylor. “We trained out of the New York Jets’ facility, which probably worked out better for us, and those that love the NFL like ourselves. We played a game against each other in a more controlled environment than what it would have been otherwise. So we got a fair bit out of it.
‘Good condition’
“The only problem with the game in New York is that the pitch wasn’t quite up to it. As a coaching group the obligation first and foremost is to make sure the players representing Australia get back to their clubs safe and in good condition.”
Taylor also believes that despite some scepticism about the series, in both Australia and Ireland, he and indeed his club remain entirely supportive.
“My club is very open to it. I approached them when I knew it was in the squad and they were more than happy for me to go and represent Australia again. You don’t get that chance often and you can learn a lot. And the chance to get to travel with the calibre of player we have and coaches we have was something they weren’t going to hold me back from.
“I know in Australia it’s the off season, so the fans are getting a bit itchy, and want football to be back, and I’m guessing you guys are the same. Any time Australia play any sport the fans are excited, they are very passionate about sport, and I’m sure the fans back home will want us to play well.”
