Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper has talked up Australia’s damaging attack and backed it to end Ireland’s 15-month unbeaten run on Saturday night.
The well-grooved Irish are favourites in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium on the back of their undefeated Six Nations triumph.
In contrast, the Wallabies have just come together this week and have had to gel combinations after more than three months of Super Rugby competition.
But Hooper has full confidence their attack – playmakers Will Genia, Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale are all showing great form this season – can click from the outset.
“We’d be silly not to run the ball with some of the strike-power we’ve got,” he said.
“We’ve got fit forwards who want to work and get over the gain line, a mobile back-row, and we’ve seen through the Super Rugby season the damage our backs can do and some of the form our playmakers are in.
“But we’ve got to be smart with how we do it.”
Australia lost their previous two Tests to Ireland, both after the Irish raced out to 17-0 first-half leads so Hooper knows they can’t throw the ball around with abandon and expect to thrive.
He said it was critical to start much better and to set the platform to play with the speed they need.
“We’ve got a great ability to run it from everywhere tomorrow night but doing it smart ways and doing it in the right ways is crucial to minimise the risk.”
Having David Pocock back in the back-row beside Hooper will certainly help Australia solidify their ruck platforms and also work to disrupt the world No.2-ranked side who are experts at building pressure by retaining the ball.
The Irish know what’s coming at them with coach Joe Schmidt lauding the enterprise on show in the 15-try shootout between NSW and Queensland last weekend.
With Foley, Beale and Israel Folau all humming, Schmidt – aiming to end a 39-year drought Down Under – sees Australia as the second best attacking team in the world behind the All Blacks.
The Wallabies have been forced to make a late change to their bench with Brumbies prop Allan Alaatatoa ruled out with an ankle injury.
Alaatatoa has been replaced by NSW loosehead Tom Robertson, who had originally been a surprising omission from the 23-man team.
Hooper said it was a shame for the 24-year-old who was in excellent training form this week.