International Rules/Countdown to first Test: Ireland International Rules manager Peter McGrath yesterday acknowledged that both his management and players were expecting a more physically demanding series than last year when the Australian challenge fizzled out after a one-sided first Test.

"I think we're expecting a higher level of intensity and that the two matches will be competitive, maybe unlike last year. We are gearing ourselves for a serious challenge both in terms of its physicality and the type of game that we are led to believe the Australians are going to play.

"They have picked a team based on speed, mobility and agility and they will be highly competitive. Let's wait and see. We're prepared for any eventuality."

The players underwent a vigorous training session yesterday just hours after the team had arrived here in Perth late on Sunday night. The emphasis was on skills work and featured the introduction of tackle bags in preparation for Friday's first Test. "It was to get them into the frame of mind for this type of tackle," said McGrath. "We didn't do very much of it back in Ireland. We prefer to use tackle bags because it reduces the risk of injury.

"But it's just to get them into the mindset of this type of tackle, which is alien to our game. They're going to have to get used to it and so we'll be practising specifically in all sessions leading up to the Test."

Already at least one member of the squad, Laois's Ross Munnelly, has been receiving assistance from a rugby coach in getting to grips with the tackle - along with the mark, one of the game's two principal concessions to the Australians. The players came through in one piece although Tyrone's Ryan McMenamin sat out the practice match. He isn't, however, considered doubtful for the first Test.

"He did the warm-up and the tackling and the drills," according to McGrath. "He didn't take part in the actual game. He's had a chest infection the past 10 or 12 days. It's leaving him but the dregs of it are still there so when he asked to sit out the game that wasn't a big problem. Hopefully he'll be able to take a part in tomorrow's training session."

Another feature of training was the extent to which the whole management team took a hands-on involvement. "Different people play different roles because there's no point in having people standing on the sideline and not contributing," according to McGrath. "So we think it's get the best out of everyone, players and management."

The Ireland management hopes to be able to run the rule over one of the Australian training sessions before Friday. The host team arrive in Perth later tonight.

Officials from the AFL and GAA will, according to association president Seán Kelly, sit down to discuss consistency in interpretation of the rules. Both David Coldrick and Michael Collins have been brought by the GAA.

The president was also asked about why players were being forced to fly economy class to Australia.

"That hasn't been an issue at all. We all travel together. I think there's sufficient time between arriving and the game. We are amateur players and representing Ireland. The players are treated well but they haven't moved up to first class."

Meanwhile, Australia have taken the unusual step of naming two joint captains for the series. Andrew McLeod and Chris Johnson have both been vice-captains in the past and it was decided to give both the honour.

"It's standard practice to appoint one captain," according to an AFL source, "but both were such strong candidates that it was decided to share the honour."

It was also seen as recognising the contribution to this year's team of Aboriginal players, who are prominent in coach Kevin Sheedy's selection, as both McLeod and Johnson share that ethnic background.

Of the three Australian players injured in Sunday's practice match, only Fremantle's Heath Black remains a concern after an ankle injury.