Paddy Power have made Australia 4/7 favourites to win this year’s International Rules first test and even hotter favourites at 4/9 to win the series.

With just three days to go until this year’s International Rules 1st Test between Australia and Ireland, tensions are sure to be running high in the Irish camp.

It’s the first time, since 2006, the two sides will face each other. Violent scenes in the 2005 and 2006 games placed the series in jeopardy and tougher rules were introduced ahead of the 2008 series.

Aussie captain Brent Harvey insisted physicality would remain a major part of his teams approach, hence the odds of 4/7 that the first player sent off will be Australian.  Paddy Power also offer a cautious 3/1 that no series is played in the next three years.

Physicality is the least of Ireland’s worries.  Six of Boylan’s men only touched down in Perth today having been delayed at home with club commitments.  If that wasn’t enough, temperatures have soared into the 30’s in Australia, making it very tough playing conditions for the Irish side.  

Paddy Power said: “Boylan’s men will have a tough task down under, what with weather conditions and late arrivals but maybe the change in rules and the fact they’ll skip a warm-up game will work in their favour. The first test will be crucial as previous form shows the Aussies always perform better in the second test.”

International Rules 2008 

Series betting

  4/9      Australia

13/8      Ireland

1st Test betting

  4/7      Australia

16/1      Draw

11/8      Ireland