Bernard Jackman: Ireland must be wary of 'dangerous' Wallabies

Bernard Jackman says Ireland must proceed with caution against Joe Schmidt's Australia on Saturday afternoon.

Andy Farrell’s side complete their Autumn Nations Series programme against the Wallabies this weekend, looking for their third win from four games, having recovered from their defeat against New Zealand to secure wins against Argentina and Fiji.

The Wallabies, coached by former Ireland boss Schmidt come into the game off the back of a sluggish 27-13 defeat to Scotland on Sunday, but had previously impressed in their earlier November victories in England and Wales.

In 2022, the Wallabies were in poor form when they came to Ireland and gave Farrell’s side a real scare, with a late Ross Byrne penalty securing a 13-10 win for Ireland.

And Jackman expects the tourists to pose a similar threat at the Aviva on Saturday.

"This Australia team, I know their bubble got burst by the defeat to Scotland, but they’re definitely on the right track and are dangerous," Jackman said on the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"Some of the stuff they put together against Scotland was quite decent. [Joseph] Suaalii going off early took a little bit from their attack, they didn't get the scrum dominance that they might have deserved, it’s much improved.

"I think this is a proper test for us, because their breakdown work is good, they’re nice and athletic, they're good in the air which didn't become a factor [for Ireland] against Fiji, but wasn't great against Argentina or the All Blacks.

"There’s plenty of things to ponder on, and makes this game fascinating in different ways."

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