International Rules/Ireland v Australia: Pete McGrath silenced his critics. After masterminding the biggest winning margin in the International Rules series, the decision to leave Kieran McGeeney and Colm Cooper out in the cold must be deemed as wisdom rather than folly.

Not since Australia's 25-point victory in 1987, in Dublin, has there been such a heavy defeat handed out.

McGrath even showed the nerve to rest Declan Browne, who played in the Tipperary football final on Saturday, but it was the defensive performance of Seán Ó hAilpín which most justified his selection policy. In contrast, the much-hyped brother's return to these shores was muted.

"There were many performances to admire. A lot of people did very well at different times in the game when they exerted a bit of pressure; our defenders held firm. Someone mentioned Seán Óg Ó hAilpín earlier on - given the fact he hasn't played Gaelic football in recent times. I think for that reason alone you have to say he did perform very commendably today," said McGrath.

The most pleasing aspect of the day for him must have been the Irish refusal to wilt, like other sides have done before, down the home stretch.

"The third quarter is the big quarter for many people and we went out determined not to lose it. I think we lost it by four, which maybe isn't bad given that we had quite a substantial lead going into it (43-13). There was a bit of consolidation. To stand firm and hold our ground, which we did, and then go at them again in the final quarter."

This gives an insight into McGrath's philosophy of the hybrid game. And have no doubt he has a philosophy, a way to play that leans towards the up-tempo pace that is more prevalent in Gaelic football. For all their professional conditioning, it was the Australians who failed to keep pace. This, as McGrath pointed out, denied them the opportunities to cause damage in the tackle.

Also, Ireland landed 17 overs. The "lifeblood" of the game was how McGrath described the three-point score. But still, ever the pragmatist, he preached caution. To lose the series now would leave an irreparable stain on the management's doorstep. The difficulty of defending such a lead brings its own problems.

"Without using clichés, it is only half-time. The team went in today very focused, very single-minded. A team on a mission. I think particularly the way we started the game, the fact that we got scores on the board early on, it gave us confidence, it gave us a good foothold it gave us breathing space and we didn't at any time let our guard drop.

"We may have a big lead at this time but the only statistic that really matters is what's on the scoreboard next week. We will not be complacent or let our guard drop for next week's game."

But such a resounding victory brings two problems. First there is the potential for a strong Australian backlash - the average Aussie has a genetic disdain for losing, especially twice in a row. Secondly, how does the GAA market what appears to be a foregone conclusion? The Irish manager has already started that campaign for them.

"Anyone who thinks the series is over is a fool because I think Australia will come at us. They will have a week together to analyse and to scrutinise what happened today and to put things right. They will try and counter what we did well today.

"People who are having second thoughts about coming to the second Test, I would appeal to them to come."

Another unforeseen aspect of the contest was how well Ireland coped in the physical stakes. Again, this leaves a foreboding feeling as this has damaged the Australian pride to the core. You could hear it in the tone of manager Gary Lyon's voice.

"One area I would be disappointed with was they were more physical than us. Your guys keep telling me that is a massive advantage we enjoy. Perhaps now you might understand that you guys (Ireland) have that capacity and maintain a great control of the ball - you saw the way we butchered the friggin' thing today."

Lyon also paid his dues to a magnificent performance: "They were great. They were supreme, too skilled and finished far better than us. They showed us up in every aspect of the game. They were fantastic.

"We're not giving up on it. We will prepare as well as we can and come back here next Sunday. We have a fair bit of ground to make up. Reputations have to be restored and respect to be won. We'll do that, whether it's enough to get us back we'll see."

So, on to next week when Ireland will attempt to kill off the wounded Aussies. It's a challenge the visitors will relish, but they came up against a side yesterday that equalled them in the professional stakes. Australia's assistant coach, and Dubliner, Jim Stynes, could only agree.

"Yeah, definitely. I think they put together a much better coaching group. (There is) a lot more experience. What they had out in Australia last year and what they had today is a much different group. They have a game under their belt now so if anyone is going to improve after today it's us, not the Irish."