The Irish-born Wallaby isn’t the only hooker reaching a milestone.
Although all the attention will be on Rory Best as he becomes Ireland’s latest member of the 100-cap club, Galway-born Stephen Moore will be receiving his 116th Test cap for Australia.
Moore will join Adam-Ashley-Cooper and Nathan Sharpe as the second-most capped Wallaby player ever.
Moore will be just 23 caps shy off Australian legendary scrum-half, George Gregan (who used to hold the world record himself until our very own Brian O’Driscoll removed him of that title in 2014).
While Saturday’s date in Dublin is the sole focus for the Wallabies, it did not stop one forward-thinking reporter from asking about next week’s Test with the Eddie Jones-coached England. Moore gave it short shrift.
“If we started thinking about England firstly we would come up short, and secondly it would be disrespectful to Ireland.”
Proper order. Moore is proud of his Irish roots, so much that he always wanted to play his rugby in Ireland before he retires from the game.
Unfortunately for him, and for Munster, his move to the Southerners was inhibited by the IRFU’s reluctance to provide funds in order to secure his signature.
Nevertheless, Moore, who was born to Irish parents, will put his affection for Ireland aside, in order to give himself and his teammates the best possible chance of securing a win at the Aviva Stadium. Moore told reporters:
“We always knew these games would be the biggest of the tour.”
One the main features of this Australian tour has been the blooding of youngsters into Test match rugby and Moore mentions that this weekend will be a step-up for these young Wallabies:
“When you get to this stage it’s a big challenge for our young boys to front up and confront the Irish.”
They will take confidence, however, as these young players have acquitted themselves so well in wins against Wales, Scotland and France. Indeed, the Aussies are just two wins off an impressive Grand Slam.
Moore has been impressed with what he has seen so far of Ireland.
He who knows what it is like to go up against a physical All Blacks side, was clearly impressed with Ireland’s performances against Steve Hansen’s men.
He is in under no illusion that his team will have to up it another level in order to compete with Ireland.
“Even though they lost to the All Blacks last weekend their consistency was there. We will have to play our best game so far.”
For Moore, the outcome of the Ireland game could be historic in two ways, he will become the second highest capped Australian player and he may also be one step closer to that elusive Grand Slam.
Catch up with this week’s episode of Football Friday Live
