Anticipation is building as Ireland and Australia prepare to face off in a blockbuster rugby Test match this Saturday in Dublin. The clash at Aviva Stadium will be the final international fixture of 2024 for both sides, adding extra weight to an already intriguing contest.
Ireland Aim to Finish 2024 on a High
After a stellar year that included a Six Nations triumph, Ireland will be determined to close out their campaign with a convincing performance and result against the Wallabies. However, Andy Farrell’s men haven’t been at their absolute best during the autumn internationals, despite victories over Fiji and Argentina.
The Irish have dazzled at times in 2024 with their dynamic attacking rugby and fierce defensive intensity. But they’ve also struggled to produce the complete 80-minute performance that has become their trademark in recent seasons.
“We’ve shown glimpses of our potential this autumn but we know we need to put it all together against a dangerous Australia side. It’s an opportunity to make a statement and build momentum heading into the Six Nations.”
– Ireland captain Johnny Sexton
The match carries extra significance for several Ireland stalwarts, including captain Johnny Sexton, who will want to prove they still have what it takes to lead their country to even greater heights. At the same time, an exciting new generation of talent, led by the likes of Caelan Doris and Mack Hansen, is poised to take the reins and sustain Ireland’s status as a global rugby powerhouse.
Resurgent Wallabies Look to Make a Statement
On the other side, Australia arrive in Dublin with renewed confidence and purpose under head coach Joe Schmidt. After enduring a terrible run of results, culminating in their worst-ever Rugby World Cup performance in 2023, the Wallabies have shown promising signs of a resurgence this autumn.
Victories against Wales and England had Australian fans dreaming of an unlikely Northern Hemisphere grand slam. Those hopes were dashed by a 15-13 loss to Scotland last weekend, but the Wallabies have unquestionably made strides on this tour.
The emergence of young superstar Joseph Suaalii has given Australia a genuine world-class attacking threat in the backline. His combination with experienced campaigners like James Slipper and Michael Hooper has the potential to trouble even the most organized defenses – including Ireland’s.
“We’re not satisfied with our progress yet. We want to show that we can go toe-to-toe with the best teams and be a real force at the next World Cup. Challenging ourselves against a top side like Ireland will give us a true gauge of where we stand.”
– Australia coach Joe Schmidt
| Ireland | vs | Australia |
| Saturday, Nov. 30 | 3:10pm UK | 2:10am Sunday AEST |
| Aviva Stadium, Dublin | ||
A Sneak Preview of the 2025 Lions Tour?
The Ireland-Australia showdown is about much more than just one game, however. It also represents a tasty prelude to the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour in 2025. The Wallabies will host the iconic touring side next year and are hell-bent on avoiding a repeat of their disastrous 2-1 series defeat in 2001.
With numerous Ireland stars likely to feature prominently for the Lions, including Tadhg Furlong, Robbie Henshaw, and Andrew Porter, the Dublin Test is a chance for the Australians to lay down an early marker. A strong showing, even in a losing effort, would give a young Wallabies outfit belief that they can mix it with the best Britain and Ireland has to offer.
Farrell’s Curtain Call Before Lions Duty
For Ireland coach Andy Farrell, Saturday’s clash carries extra personal significance. It will be his final game in charge of the national team before he takes a sabbatical to focus on the Lions job. Farrell will be desperate to sign off his Ireland tenure (for now) with a vintage performance and a victory.
Having overseen Ireland’s rise to the summit of the world rankings, Farrell has earned widespread praise for his ability to blend a structured, disciplined approach with an exciting, attacking mindset. His influence will be sorely missed during next year’s Six Nations, with defense coach Simon Easterby set to hold the fort in an interim capacity.
Key Questions Ahead of Kick-Off
- Can Ireland deliver a complete 80-minute performance to answer their critics and build momentum for the Six Nations?
- Will Australia’s young guns fire again and score another noteworthy scalp in the Northern Hemisphere?
- How much will Andy Farrell’s impending departure disrupt Ireland’s progress in the short-term?
- Can the Wallabies sow a seed of doubt in the minds of their Lions opponents for next year’s tour?
All will be revealed come late Saturday afternoon at Aviva Stadium. With both teams primed and the stakes high, it promises to be a riveting and revealing contest. Ireland are justifiably favorites on home soil but write off Australia – and their wily coach Joe Schmidt – at your peril.
No matter the result, the real winner will be the fans. A full house in Dublin will bear witness to two proud rugby nations laying it all on the line one last time in 2024. It will be a fitting farewell to an epic year of Test match rugby.
The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and 80 minutes of ferocious and fascinating rugby awaits. Ireland versus Australia. Let’s dance.
