Declan Kidney’s side are bidding to claim their first win Down Under since 1967 but are expecting a backlash from their opponents, who were handed a humbling defeat in their own back yard by Martin Johnson’s England last Saturday.

But the sting in the Wallabies’ tail has been diminished with the news that Queensland Reds scrum-half Genia and winger Ioane will miss the clash at the Suncorp Stadium.

Both players sustained their injuries in the 21-20 loss to England with Genia breaking a bone in his hand and Ioane set for shoulder reconstruction after a heavy fall.

But with Luke Burgess and Adam Ashley-Cooper expected to fill in, Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal insists the visitors – who were downed 31-28 by New Zealand Maoris last Friday – are not expecting an easy ride.

“We are in for a tough game but again if you play against a top-three team, it’s always going to be tough,” said Smal.
“But we’re not there to see what they can throw at us. We want to take our game to them as well.

“That’s what makes this such a great opportunity for these players.

“That’s why you’re looking forward to it. You can just imagine if we beat them on Saturday what it will mean for these players and for Irish rugby.”