IRELAND go to Brisbane in superb form on the back of their Grand Slam triumph.
Last time out they beat England 24-15, having cleaned up against the other Home Nations’ countries.
So it’s hardly surprising that Australia scrum-half Will Genia says they will not repeat their mistake of taking the tourists lightly in Saturday’s first Test.
Genia, 30, played in the 2011 World Cup pool game when Ireland pulled off a shock 15-6 win in Auckland.
He said: “We probably underestimated them.
“That was probably disrespectful and they taught us a lesson which was good for us. Coming into this game, we cannot underestimate them at all.”
Genia, who has been on the winning side just once in five meetings with Ireland, says Joe Schmidt’s side demand respect, given their current standing in the global game.
He explained: “They are obviously number two in the world but more than that, just the level of rugby they have been playing.
IRELAND'S TEST SERIES IN AUSTRALIA
June 9: First Test – Brisbane
June 16: Second Test – Melbourne
June 23: Third Test – Sydney
“It is all about attrition with them. They are good at retaining possession.
“They have got a pretty good game but more than anything, they really understand their game plan, and execute it really well.
“I don’t look at it as a chance to take the scalp of a Six Nations champion, I look at it as a chance to test yourself against a really good team. ”
Can I live stream Australia vs Ireland and where can I watch it on TV?
The game is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action at 10.45am.
What times does the game kick off?
The action gets underway at 11.00am on Saturday, June 9 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Team news
Genia is expected to start the match at Suncorp Stadium, having recovered from a knee injury sustained while playing for Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels.
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Brumbies duo Folau Fainga’a and Tom Banks, Rebels full-back Jack Maddocks and Reds forwards Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu are all included in coach Michael Cheika’s squad.
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Timu is in line for a maiden Test appearance, slotting into a back row alongside David Pocock and captain Michael Hooper.
Schmidt will most likely start six of the Irish 23 who off that aforementioned World Cup win over the Wallabies.
Rob Kearney, Keith Earls, Johnny Sexton, Cian Healy, Sean Cronin (a replacement that night) and Conor Murray are the players concerned.
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