Ireland prepares for Nations Championship opener against Australia in Sydney
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 1:59 PM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
Ireland coach Simon Easterby anticipates a challenging match against Australia in the Nations Championship opener on Saturday in Sydney. He highlighted Australia's physicality and their goal to establish dominance as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup. Ireland's squad of 36 players, with a blend of youth and experience, will look to build on their previous success against Australia. All players have been training in Sydney without injuries ahead of this significant fixture.
- •Ireland faces Australia in the Nations Championship on Saturday.
- •Easterby expects Australia to impose themselves physically.
- •Ireland previously defeated Australia 46-19 in November.
- •All 36 players in Ireland's squad are training in Sydney.
- •Match is part of three summer games for Ireland.
- 1:59 PMBBC Sport — Easterby expects 'marker' from Australia in Sydney
"Ireland coach Simon Easterby says he expects Australia to try and "impose themselves" in Saturday's Nations Championship opener in Sydney.
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