Test 2 Prediction: International Rules 2010

The first test was a shocking disappointment but I'm still going over to Croke Park tonight for the second test. I'm not sure what to expect. The media has absolutely slated the match in Limerick. I wonder what impact this will have on the attendance tonight. A half-full Croke Park on a cold, wet October night will be a sorry sight. Then again the crap weather might...
give the Irish an advantage. Additionally there is bound to be a chance is strategy from Anthony Tohill. The lads will certainly have to be more aggressive, move the ball faster, and be more creative with possession if they are going to overcome the 7-point Aussie lead.

Scoring from Play
The Irish squad will have to generate more scores from play. In the first test we spent too much time near the sidelines hoping to drop a ball in for a mark and easy over. This is a passive, boring, and ultimately losing strategy. To win by more than 7, the lads will have to be a lot more aggressive than last week. That means attacking the defence - challenging the Aussie backs beyond knocking the high ball out of our hands.

Go for Goal
In 2008 the Irish held a big edge in goals (7 - 3, I think). We damn well need that kind of goal differential in 2010. The Aussie keeper made sound judgements about when to leave his line the entire Limerick match. He was never really tested to make saves (no keeper could have stopped Brogan's goal). Shooting for goal is a must tonight. We need to take our chances and challenge the keeper whenever possible.

Accuracy
There is no substitute for accurate shooting. It spreads the defence, gets the crowd involved, builds team confidence, and...oh yeah...also wins matches. The Irish must improve from their terrible shooting in Limerick.

Movement Without the Ball
The Aussies moved better in support in the first test. They swept up the middle third in waves. We were able to cut-down the ball carrier but there was always an Aussie there to accept a lateral pass. Alternatively, our lads were often left sending blind hand-passes to no one - giving away possession. To avoid turnovers from tackles, a ball carrier must always have an available target. Simple stuff really but we need to be better. If you watch the reply of the match, Tommy Walsh was particularly poor when he was moved from full forward. If he won't put in the effort and make the run to support his teammates, I hope Tohill leaves him on the bench.


Prediction: Ireland 55 - Australia 45
I still believe the Irish can sharpen their game and win the series. To have played so poorly and only be down 7 is something to build on. I have no doubt the Aussies will be better as well. Still, I think the lads will come out firing - trying to maintain the momentum of the last 5 minutes.

Man of the Match: Bernard Brogan