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13 Dec 2025 1:51
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  •   Home > News > Sports > Rugby

    Wallabies vow to bounce back in Ireland Test as spring tour continues in Dublin

    Hit hard by last weekend's loss to Italy, the Wallabies are desperate to rebound when they face Ireland in Dublin on Sunday morning.


    Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has promised his side will "empty the tank" when they face Ireland in Dublin on Sunday morning AEDT.

    The Wallabies play the Irish a week after recording a demoralising 26-19 loss to Italy in Udine.

    The result meant the Wallabies had posted back-to-back defeats on their five-Test spring tour.

    They lost 25-7 to England at Twickenham a fortnight ago after opening their tour with an unconvincing 19-15 win over Japan in Tokyo.

    Wilson said the Wallabies were determined to make up for their lacklustre performance against Italy.

    "There was a lot of hurt after that Italy game, it hit the whole squad hard," Wilson said.

    "Italy are a really good side and they taught us some harsh, harsh lessons in that game.

    "But from getting on the training field on Tuesday, we've been all about moving forward towards Ireland and have had a really good week's preparation.

    "We're all really excited. After a few disappointing performances, there's definitely a bit more spice around the group, wanting to go out there and get a big result."

    James O'Connor's return at fly-half was among the changes made to the Wallabies' match-day squad for the Ireland Test.

    Wilson said the Wallabies would benefit from O'Connor's experience.

    "James has been awesome since coming in," Wilson said.

    "He's got that confidence straight away, and he's brought a lot of energy and belief after a couple of tough weeks for us.

    "And when you add Lenny [Ikitau] and Allan [Alaalatoa] into it, you add a little bit more polish there too.

    "I feel as if they've really lifted all the boys, and we all went with them. We've had a good week at training, but it's now about going out there and performing Saturday night (local time).

    "The energy has been really good. We're near the end of our tour, so the boys know there's just a couple more weeks to empty the tank for."

    The Wallabies will wrap up their spring tour with a Test against France in Paris next weekend.

    AAP/ABC


    ABC




    © 2025 ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved

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