Ireland has been building slowly but surely during this November series.
The loss to New Zealand was marred with basic head-scratching errors in the opening game and put Andy Farrell’s men under the microscope.
Argentina nearly made history in what would have been their first win in Dublin but Ireland’s defence did just enough right up to the 80th minute.
Fiji saw an injection of new blood with Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu making their international debuts.
Sam Prendergast made his first start on just his second cap. Fiji were a shambles during this game and Ireland grabbed at the opportunity to play some free-flowing try-scoring rugby.
It wasn’t all pretty, but it was just what Ireland needed before welcoming the Wallabies into town.
Here are three key players Joe Schmidt and his coaching staff should be preparing for this week.
Caelan Doris
Ever heard of him? World Player of the Year nominee? Leinster and Ireland captain?
The Mayo man has taken his game to a new level this year. Harry Wilson has a picture of him on his bedroom wall, or at least he should.
Doris’ footwork right before contact is what sets him apart as a No. 8. The burst and shift of direction ask questions of the defence, making it impossible to tackle him head-on and cleanly.
He always draws in two if not three defenders to his carries and the attention he gets is invaluable, particularly from restarts when the rest of the team can set up to strike.
Wilson has been very good on this northern tour, his effort is unquestionable.
I’d even go as far as to say that he’s one of the most painful players to tackle right now, but is he the hardest? No.
Scotland did an excellent job of nullifying the Queenslander, he’s too direct and it allows opposition defences to single in on him, heat-seeking style.
Doris doesn’t have Wilson’s pound-for-pound bulk or power but it’s his deftness and nous that gets him over the gain line.
Doris is also incredible at taking the ball on the angle close to the ruck. He’s able to catch the ball without breaking stride at full pace.
Sounds simple but it’s not. His connection with Ireland’s scrumhalf, the player up next, is a key piece of this Irish attack.
Jamison Gibson Park
Think of Tate McDermott’s impact off the bench, but with JGP it’s from the first whistle.
Gibson Park is the tactical driver of this Irish side and has been since Johnny Sexton retired.
Originally a bench player for Leinster, Andy Farrell backed him to be a starter and Ireland hasn’t looked back since. He’s such a silky player, a true out-and-out footy player.
His service from the base of the ruck is always excellent and he knows where the ball is going before he’s even arrived at the breakdown.
His ability to “play” is what sets him apart from the other half-backs in the squad.
How connection with Jack Crowley is yet to be fully cemented despite the two playing throughout the Six Nations but his familiarity with the likes of Doris and openside flanker Josh van der Flier means he’s always running the support line.
If Antoine Dupont didn’t have an absolute worldie in the Champions Cup final back in May, we could be talking about the European Player of the Season here.
James Lowe
There’s nothing he can’t do, he’s even able to keep his hair tied up when steamrolling the opposition.
But in all seriousness, Lowe’s international rise has been incredible. Originally selected for his attacking prowess, his defence left a lot to be desired.
By his own admission, he has areas to work on and after a break from the international team he came back firing and now his defense is one of the strongest parts of his game.
While Wallaby fans I’m sure are familiar with Lowe, he’s being highlighted here after the Scottish wings ran rampant in Murrayfield.
There will be certain moments I’m sure Andrew Kellaway would want back against Scotland but there are also positives to hold onto. A big collision with Matt Fagerson stands out.
Does this mean it’s a concentration issue? Perhaps.
It’s worrying that he can front up face-to-face versus backrowers but was caught sleeping on his own try line for Scotland’s opening score.
Ireland’s James Lowe. (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images)
This brings us back to Lowe, he may not have the out-and-out pace as the crow flies but his power and intelligence are what’s scary.
He also does have enough speed to capitalise on the space he affords himself with a massive fend; one I can just picture landing perfectly on Kellaway.
In the World Cup quarter-final, New Zealand targeted Lowe when Ireland looked to clear their lines, Lowe’s monster left boot is such an asset.
However, his time to kick is on the longer side and with the new rules stopping lazy pillar players from blocking the shortest running lines, this could be an area for the likes of Nick Frost to target.
However, since Crowley’s elevation into the 10 jersey, he has taken on more responsibility in that area.
Australia afforded Scotland so much room to run, it was actually incredible. I haven’t seen so much space outwide since Ireland lost to Argentina at the World Cup in 2015.
Acres of space and if Hugo Keenan can get involved akin to Blair Kinghorn then Ireland will be able to feed their danger men out wide.
You may even see the likes of Doris or Joe McCarthy pop up on the wings to take full advantage. The size difference is even more effective when upright and charging.
Australia don’t necessarily need to win this game but they can’t afford another loss like they did to Scotland.
They need to be more clinical and show much more energy in all areas.
It’s been a long tour and it’s incredibly difficult to string back to back to back performances, but they have to deliver a complete performance this weekend for their momentum moving forward, even if it doesn’t result in a win.
All eyes on the Aviva Stadium.
