Australia v Ireland: Simon Easterby expects ‘marker’ from hosts in Sydney

Ireland coach Simon Easterby says he expects Australia to try and “impose themselves” in Saturday’s Nations Championship opener in Sydney (11:00 BST).

Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies host Ireland in the first of three summer matches in the new competition, before Andy Farrell’s side take on Japan and New Zealand.

Farrell led the British and Irish Lions’ successful tour of Australia last year and Ireland ran out 46-19 winners when the sides met in Dublin in November.

Easterby, who said all 36 players were in training in Sydney, said it was “exciting” to face Australia, who will host the Rugby World Cup next year.

“We’re expecting a side who have probably got a chance to go and lay down a bit of a marker leading into a World Cup year, playing at home for the first time in a while,” Easterby said.

“They are a physical team who will look to try and impose themselves on the opposition.

“It’s something that we’re well aware of, their threats and attack and their ability to attack in a way that can create opportunities.”

Easterby believes the battle for selection against Australia will be hard-fought with the 36 players who have travelled to the Southern Hemisphere, and he says there is a “great mix” between youth and experience in the squad.

“It’s going to be an interesting few weeks in terms of selection because some of the more experienced players are training well but also some of the younger guys have made their mark as well.

“I think it’s a testament to the group that we’ve had no one drop out of training. We haven’t looked after them, they’ve worked hard and they’ve hit the ground running.”