Eddie O’Sullivan, former head coach of Ireland, fears that Australia will cause a backlash in Saturday’s final autumn Test at Dublin.
Australia were shocked by Italy on Saturday, having defeated Scotland but losing to France in their earlier autumn Tests.
Ireland has beaten South Africa and Fiji by contrast in November.
O’Sullivan said, “We are number one in world, so if the put us out it would take a lot off their shoulders.”
Australia came third in the Rugby Championship behind Argentina and New Zealand. They will be facing tough competition from northern hemisphere teams for 2022.
Dave Rennie’s team lost the summer series against England 2-1, before falling to one-point defeats in November against France and Italy.
O’Sullivan is worried that Rennie’s inconsistency will make their Test team more competitive for the final Test of 2022 to try and put an end to a difficult year.
O’Sullivan, who was Ireland’s head coach between 2001 and 2008, stated that Australia has seen highs and lows in recent years.
“They’ve been on a bungee rope in terms where they are.
“The only thing that worries me this weekend, is that they’re coming into the final weekend of their season after a disappointing result in Italy.
“They will probably be subject to some criticism at home, but if they are able to put Ireland away (and let’s not forget Australia is capable of such performances), they have set a target for us.
“I think we should still beat Australia, but I would be lying if i said that I wasn’t worried about them pulling out one big win heading into their final game of the year.”
