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IT IS usually wise to downplay the opposition before a huge Test match, but Australia captain Rocky Elsom has a simple message for his side ahead of their visit to Croke Park next Sunday: this is the best team in Ireland’s history.
And if anyone in the Wallabies’ squad should know what they’re talking about, then it’s Elsom.
The flanker returned to his native land this summer after a hugely successful season in Dublin with Leinster, who he inspired to Heineken Cup glory with a series of absolutely outstanding performances.
Elsom sees few stronger sides than Declan Kidney’s Grand Slam winners.
"I’m really looking forward to going back to Ireland, but as an Australian, I think we’re going to win every Test match," explains Elsom, who was superb as the Wallabies blunted England’s attack and ran out 18-9 winners at Twickenham on Saturday.
"Having said that, Ireland were the form team in the Six Nations last year, so it will be our biggest test as they’re a red-hot side, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve never seen an Irish team play better than this team has.
"As I know from my time with Leinster, they have certain players â€" such as Brian O’Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip and Gordon D’Arcy â€" who just play well all the time. We know it’s going to be a difficult test.
"We’ve all had it marked in our calendars for a while as they’re a side that doesn’t have too many weaknesses."
Elsom is also well-versed in the Croke Park experience. The cauldron of GAA headquarters has been known to prove too much for some players, but not for Elsom, who shone when Leinster beat Munster in the Heineken Cup semi-final last season. And the Australian looks almost mystified when it is put to him that the atmosphere may prove too much for some of his young team-mates.
"A lot of people create a lot of noise, but it’s not necessarily intimidating," he said. "It gives you a lift if you’re on the other side, but what are the fans going to do? They won’t jump out of the stands and attack you."
Elsom will be at the centre of attention this week, returning to a city where he has attained an almost mythical status. But if Dublin loved him, it’s clear the feeling is mutual.
"I can’t think how I could possibly have had a better time with Leinster," he smiles. "I made a lot of good friends there, and the people in Dublin were really good to me.
"It’s funny how it all works out really. The main thing for me (when deciding whether to leave or not) was that I thought I would regret not going back to Australia, purely for the international aspect. That made my mind up for me."
If Ireland are to beat the Wallabies, they will have to do so against a defence that was far too strong for England’s powder-puff attack.
Indeed, it was the areas of Australia’s team that were expected to be weaknesses that shone brightest at Twickenham, no more so than in the centres, where Quade Cooper and Digby Iaone â€" nominally fly-half and wing, respectively â€" were outstanding.
Scrum-half Will Genia was superb, and crossed the whitewash just before the break to get Australia back within striking distance of their hosts. Adam Ashley-Cooper’s second-half score put the result beyond doubt, but the victory was based on the fact England didn’t score in the final 55 minutes.
Scorers for England (9) 9 Pens: J Wilkinson 2 Drop-goal: Wilkinson
Scorers for Australia (5) 18 Tries: W Genia, A Ashley-Cooper Con: M Giteau Pens: Giteau 2
ENGLAND: U Monye; M Cueto, D Hipkiss, S Geraghty, M Banahan; J Wilkinson, D Care; T Payne, S Thompson, D Wilson, L Deacon, S Borthwick, T Croft, L Moody, J Crane.
Replacements: J Haskell (for Crane, 53), D Hartley (for Thompson, 57), D Bell (for Wilson, 58), P Hodgson (for Care, 63), A Erinle (for Hipkiss, 67), C Lawes (for Deacon, 68).
AUSTRALIA: A Ashley-Cooper; P. Hynes, D Ioane, Q Cooper, D Mitchell; M Giteau, W Genia, B Robinson, S Moore, B Alexander, J Horwill, M Chisholm, R Elsom, G Smith, W Palu.
Replacements: T Polota Nau (for Moore, 61), R Cross (for Ioane, 66), D Pocock (for Palu, 68), M Dunning (for Alexander, 76).
Referee: B Lawrence (New Zealand).
This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Monday, November 09, 2009
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