‘House of Pain’ to host this weekend’s International Rules clash of Ireland-Australia
The Subiaco Oval is one of the most famous (and pleasing to pronounce) sports stadiums in the world and this weekend is set to host Ireland v Australia in the International Rules.
Irish teams and sportsmen have enjoyed varying degrees of success at the stadium over the years as its hosted previous International Rules matches (2003 and 2008) as well as the Lions just last year in a pre-Test warm up.
The Ireland rugby side has also had a few visits to the venue known locally as ‘the House of Pain’ due to some lopsided results in the past.
We decided to bring you just a flavour of some Irish memorable sporting moments on the hallowed turf at the biggest stadium in Perth.
Paddy Bradley ‘Sean Cavanaghed’ by Dale Thomas in the first test of the International Rules in 2008
The last time Ireland played an AFL test at the Subiaco it was a classic and a game that is regarded as one of the best ever in the competition’s history.
Ireland led by 17 heading into the last 11 minutes of the match until the home side put on a powerful show to reel Sean Boylan’s side in.
The final moments were tension filled with Ireland barely holding on when Paddy Bradley straight though on goal was ‘Sean Cavanaghed’ by Dale Thomas.
Johnny Sexton’s first ever try in a Lions jersey
Last year’s Lions tour seems like a million years ago but not only did it mark the beginning of the end of Brian O Driscoll’s career but it saw another Irish rugby player take his place among the world’s best.
Johnny Sexton started in the famous jersey for the first time against the Western Force and it didn’t take long to show his class.
Vintage Ronan O Gara/Horgan combo
We should see plenty of high fielding between Ireland and the Australian’s and we just had to include this try from Ronan O Gara that features Shane Horgan’s super catch and offload from the test in 2006.
The moment of magic was one of the few highlights in a 37-15 loss but we’ll always have that almost telepathic Rog/Horgan teamwork.
