International Rules Match 1 (Sunday 29th)

[Philhawk]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20653806-2722,00.html

Rain will rule hybrid international
AAP
October 27, 2006
AUSTRALIA'S marking forwards may well be redundant in the opening International Rules match against Ireland on Saturday due to persistent rain in the Emerald Isle.

The teams meet in the series opener in Galway on Saturday night, and Australia had hoped that a forward line of captain Barry Hall, Coleman medallist Brendan Fevola and ex-Brisbane great Michael Voss would take the hosts by storm.

However, Australia is now rapidly reviewing its soccer skills, as wet weather is forecast in Galway on Friday and Saturday, meaning most of the game will be played at ground level.

"The conditions will favour the Irish a bit more, it's been wet over here and the Irish with their soccer skills will hurt us," Australian assistant coach Danny Frawley said.

"It's a lot tougher for the tall players, especially up forward.

"If Barry can compete, and bring the ball to the ground, it will allow the smaller players to play through him."

Any advantage to the Irish will be welcomed by neutral onlookers, as last year's series in Australia was one-sided, prompting concern that the AFL professionals were getting too good at the game for the sake of the series.

But last year's series is not remembered for its results, but for the Australia's overt physicality - bordering on outright violence - that soured relations between the two sides.

Australia has made some efforts to mend fences with the Irish ahead of Saturday's return bout, while trying to play down the excesses of the 2005 series.

"Out of 160 minutes, it was all played in great spirits bar for 20 seconds that let people down," Frawley said.

"We can't forget about that, but we can't afford to let that dominate either."

New disciplinary measures have been introduced for the 2006 event - red-carded players will not be replaceable, nor will those who pick up two yellow cards.

But Australia is not about to abandon its physical approach, as therein lies the visitors' greatest advantage while Ireland has the edge in mastery of the round ball and tactical nous.

"We are going to make sure its played pretty hard, pretty tough, but within the rules because the umpires will be right on it," Frawley said.

Both teams will be fielding sides inexperienced at this blend of Gaelic and Australian football, with Australia's squad including just seven players with experience in these series.

Frawley sounds like a good bloke - lets hope he proves to be a good coach for us next year in Defence as well.

But who do you guys believe will win this first match? The Irish have supposedly picked a 'more physical' team, but will it match up against Campbell Brown?

 

[MightyFighting]

Ireland will romp it home.

 

[Gary Shadforth]

What price Australia?

 

[MightyFighting]

What price Australia?

$2.00

 

[lethalselbow]

Voting after the result usually helps

Anyone watch it and know whether Voss played or touched the ball?

 

[KingRich]

Voting after the result usually helps

Anyone watch it and know whether Voss played or touched the ball?

Voss played, didn't do a lot. Had a few touches though. They played him at Full Forward for a lot of the match and he didn't get near it. Moved out and go a bit of the pill late.

 

[lethalselbow]

Voss played, didn't do a lot. Had a few touches though. They played him at Full Forward for a lot of the match and he didn't get near it. Moved out and go a bit of the pill late.

Thanks for that. Thought that might happen. Champion player that he is, his selection in the side is the confirmation the games are just a junket.