When is a series not a series? When it is the one-Test International Rules series.
Saturday night in Croke Park is do or die as Ireland look to regain the Cormac McAnallen Cup from the visiting Australians.
Joe Kernan’s men face an uphill challenge to avenge the 56-46 defeat in last year’s one-off series, held in Perth, as Australia have decided to take the compromise game seriously and send a squad that features only All Australian players (the AFL equivalent of All-Stars).
Judging by the work they have been doing in training in Croke Park, this year’s team of superstars are having no issues with the O’Neills football.
A light captain's run to get a feel for the (very cold) conditions #VirginIRS pic.twitter.com/BcITQFaQfF
— AFL (@AFL) November 20, 2015
The Package @JStringer9 shows us how it's done. Straight over the black dot for 3 points 🙋 #VirginIRS pic.twitter.com/4erwYk6DG8
— AFL (@AFL) November 18, 2015
Fletch pic.twitter.com/trzp7P8rWI
— AFL (@AFL) November 20, 2015
They held a pre-match meal for both teams in Clontarf Castle last night, where the Irish team got to have a look at the famed Sherrin Kangaroo brand ball.
The Irish boys getting a quick lesson on how our own ball operates #VirginIRS pic.twitter.com/P4LRyCii3s
— AFL (@AFL) November 19, 2015
Thankfully that won’t be the ball thrown in by referees Joe McQuillan (Cavan) and Mat Nicholls (Australia) at 7pm tomorrow evening.
The main event is preceded by the second Test of the annual Hurling/Shinty series at 4.35pm. A two-test series, imagine that?
