World Footy News

The second test of International Rules to be played at Croke Park, Dublin to contest the Cormac McAnallen Cup is scheduled for Sunday November 5 at 2pm local time. Tickets have been sold out since just before the first test, with a capacity crowd of around 83,000 expected, which would make it an all-time record crowd for an International Rules match. The current record of 71,532 was set at Croke Park in 2002. A preview and TV and radio schedules follow.

First Test in Review

The first test was a defensive and low scoring game, seeing Ireland snatch victory in a thriller. With the Australians in front in the final few minutes of the game, they decided to engage the time wasting possession game which is used at the elite level in Australia (if somewhat unpopular with the fans). Poor execution of kicking skills with the round ball saw the Irish gain possession and Steven McDonnell score an over. With the Australians stunned, the Irish took the ball out of the centre from the bounce and Joe Bergin scored a goal in the dying seconds of the game to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Final score: Ireland 1-12-6 (48) def Australia 1-9-7 (40).

The introduction of some new rules favoured the Irish, but the vocal home crowd and damp conditions arguably proved the greater advantage on the night. This time around, the Irish players seemed up to the physical challenge, with a few solid shirtfronts dealt out by both sides during the game, but many tackles from both sides failed to stick.

Sydney Swans players dominated the first test. For Australia, Ryan O'Keefe was clearly best on ground, while Nick Davis and Barry Hall presented up forward. The three players in combination contributed over three quarters of Australia's score. For Ireland, the Swans Tadhg Kennelly was in great form as vice captain and scored an over, as did the young Brisbane Lions recruit Colm Begley. Essendon's Dustin Fletcher was Mark Schwarzer like in goal defence for Australia, while his opposite number starred at the other end to keep the scoreline low and the suspense high.

The match was not without controversy. Siren problems plagued the game and it also had several pitch invasions including a streaker, a Superman, and Warwick Capper impersonators. The final rushing of the field by the crowd after the thrilling finish, however, prompted the Australians who have been used to tight security at AFL games back home, to call for increased security.

For the Australians, there has been the surprise loss of Carlton's star full-forward Brendon Fevola (after an off-field incident at a pub), Fremantle's David Mundy (through injury) and pacy Brett Peake who all got jumpers but did not play.

For viewers in Australia, the scheduling of the Sunday match means that Network Ten's coverage will be early Monday morning. This will most likely limit the audience, but with Australia needing to win the second test by just 9 points to take the two game series on aggregate, it sets the second test up as a must watch.

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2nd Test TV and Radio broadcast times:

Australia
Monday 6th November 6:00am EST

• Melbourne (TEN)
• Perth (TEN)
• Adelaide (TEN)
• Sydney/Newcastle/Canberra (TEN)
• Brisbane/Gold Coast (TEN)
• Tasmania - Hobart/Launceston (Southern Cross)
• Darwin (Southern Cross)

Ireland
5th November @ 1:45pm (live) (RTE TWO) (free-to-air)

Hong Kong
6 November @ 3:30am (Australia Network) (free-to-air)

USA
6 November @ 10:00pm EDT (Setanta Sports North America)

UK
5 November @ 1.45pm (Setanta Sports 2)

All other nations
Web radio, AFL Website www.afl.com.au (live)

If you have any local information for the benefit of international viewers, feel free to contact WFN staff.