First half test for Australia at lively Croke Park

Australia coach Robbie Deans says Ireland will take "some containing" at Croke Park on Saturday thanks to their Six Nations win and a lively home crowd.

Hosts England fell 18-9 to the Wallabies at Twickenham on Saturday and Deans' side travelled to Ireland with confidence flowing in their veins following a previously poor run.

However, Ireland will have noted Australia were behind at half-time over the weekend and will be looking to impose themselves in the first half on Sunday.

Deans said: "The first 20 minutes will be full on as they’ll come out very passionate in front of a capacity crowd.

"We'll have to weather that and get going ourselves. You don’t get to be Grand Slam champions lightly."

The rugby betting market at Sportingbet is offering odds of 1.85 for Ireland to win the first half compared to 1.90 for Australia.

The same bookmaker has odds of 7.00 for an Ireland lead at half-time and Australia to be in front at full-time.

Regular match odds include 1.76 for Ireland, making them the favourites, with Australia at 2.05.