Australians hope speed can kill off Irish

Australia will look to acceleration, rather than aggression, as they try to overhaul Ireland in the International Rules decider. The home side feel it has an advantage in pace, which it wants to exploit in Friday night’s second and deciding Test at the MCG.

The Irish won last Friday’s first Test by one point at Subiaco after the Australians overcame a 17-point deficit late in the game.

While much of the focus in this series has been the need for players to curb their attack on opponents, midfielder Leigh Montagna said the Australians had looked at how quickly they were moving the ball.

“We’ve got to be able to run more and make it a quicker-tempo sort of game,” the St Kilda player said.

“In the first half (last Friday) we were probably a little bit slow with the ball and didn’t move it as quickly, hence we didn’t score as much.

“But once we started running the ball, taking them on, moving it quickly and using our pace and fitness, we probably feel we’ve got a bit of an advantage there.”

Montagna said the Irish were more physical than he expected and with the series riding on Friday’s game, there will probably be more aggression.

But he is adamant the two sides will continue to strive to stay within the rules.

Malthouse proud of fighting charges

“Their tackling was surprisingly good, they’re a very aggressive sort of side,” Montagna said.

“We probably expected that, but … it was really competitive from them and they did attack the ball hard.

“A lot of times they actually beat us to the ball, so that’s something we’ve looked at and need to work on this week.

“Obviously there’s a little bit more to play for this week, so you would think the intensity would probably be a little bit higher.

“We don’t think there’s going to be anything too illegal going on, it’s just going to be a physical, intense encounter.”

The Australians are likely to keep their focus on scoring three-point “overs”, rather than trying to score six points by putting the ball in the net.

Ireland scored three six-pointers to Australia’s nil at Subiaco.

Montagna added if the Australians have another penalty, they are likely to drop the ball onto their foot rather than take a spot kick.

Australia had their main training session this afternoon, while the Irish will go through their paces tomorrow morning.

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