IRELAND V AUSTRALIA: Denis Hickie will almost certainly be named on the Irish team for this Saturday's international against Australia at Lansdowne Road when the starting line-up and replacements are announced today.
The Leinster winger will have his injured wrist examined again today, but the word from the Irish camp at their Greystones base yesterday was that Hickie's chances of recovery are "looking good".
The team should virtually pick itself. With Keith Wood again ruled out, this would mean only one change from the side which played Georgia, with the recalled Alan Quinlan replacing the injured Simon Easterby, though Shane Horgan is also back in the mix.
Presuming Ronan O'Gara is picked at outhalf ahead of David Humphreys, the management are left with a straight choice between their other nominated vice-captains, Anthony Foley and Brian O'Driscoll, to lead the side.
Foley has done so on three occasions - when Ireland beat Samoa, Romania and Georgia, all at home. O'Driscoll has yet to lead the side, but the management see the Lions centre as a prospective captain.
Australia arrived at their Dublin base to prepare for Saturday's international battered and bruised after their attritional 17-6 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires. Hooker Jeremy Paul will not play against Ireland because of a hamstring strain, full back Mat Rogers is highly doubtful after damaging his ribs, and centre Matt Burke is nursing a dead leg.
"We will be using the Tests against Ireland and England to look at tactical options as well as players," said Australia coach Eddie Jones. "What I am looking for is more sympathetic refereeing. There were 35 penalties awarded in our match against Argentina and that wrecked any chance of an open game. It is a big year for referees because they are jockeying for World Cup places, but given that 65 per cent of penalties are awarded in the tackle area, I hope they allow more of an advantage to sides carrying the ball and come down hard on tacklers who fail to roll away."
The war of words between Australia and Argentina intensified yesterday as each accused the other of foul play during Saturday's Test. Flanker Matt Cockbain accused Pumas hooker Frederico Mendez of gouging out the contact lens in his right eye.
Cockbain told Australia's Daily Telegraph: "He had his fingers in my eye and I tried to move my head away. He just kept digging his fingers in so I cracked him one in the head. He elbowed me in the nose and I was off to the blood bin. I've been gouged before, but never like that."
Pumas scrumhalf Agustin Pichot retaliated, calling Australia "cheats".
