Larkham ready for a bigger test
Australia fly-half looking forward to Irish questions
Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham can't wait to feel the force of the Irish assault after confessing to his disappointment at England's tame surrender over the last fortnight.
Larkham struggled to find a tactful description of England's performance, eventually settling on "fairly average" and "a little disappointing".
But Ireland, who twice ran New Zealand close in their series, will present Larkham with the challenge he has been looking for, as he strives to get back to full sharpness ahead of the Tri-Nations.
"It's definitely the best Irish side I've played against over the past 10 years," he said to the Sunday Mail.
"Not just because of the form they've shown over the past couple of weeks but because of the quality of player they can put on the field.
"Their backline – I don't know what the stats are – but they have a ridiculous number of players with over 60 Tests.
"So there is a lot of experience out there on the paddock. They know how to play good football."
Larkham's opposite number Ronan O'Gara has been under fire from much of the press for defensive fragility and a lack of attacking nous, but from one fly-half to another, Larkham quickly pointed out that he has strengths as well as weaknesses.
"I think O'Gara's kicking game is the best of any No.10 in the world at the moment," he said.
"England really struggled with their kicking. It wasn't on song.
"But I imagine with O'Gara, our back three (full back Chris Latham and wings Lote Tuqiri and Mark Gerrard) will have a much bigger job ahead of them on Saturday."
It is not just that which is furrowing the brow of John Connolly though, as Australia's new-look forwards prepare to front up to O'Connell and co., who have once again been urged to up the intensity even more.
"They've picked a very mobile forward pack, a forward pack that will get across the ground very well and will probably be a bit more damaging in attack than England as well," Larkham said.
"So there won't be as many opportunities for us to attack."
