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Posted: 2018-06-08 06:00:00

14. Marika Koroibete: Expect him to line up on the left. Strong finisher coming into some form at the right time. 7

13. Samu Kerevi: Benefits from surprise decision to omit Tevita Kuridrani and will need to play his best Test. 7

12. Kurtley Beale. World class now and the most important part of the Wallabies attack with his ability to link with Folau. 8

11. Dane Haylett-Petty. Quality footballer but loses a mark because he looks slightly underdone after an injury-disrupted season. 6

10. Bernard Foley. When he's good he's a 9 and when he's not he's a 5. Goalkicking can falter under pressure. 7

9. Will Genia. Classy and savvy operator who will be sharp enough despite recent layoff. 8

8. Caleb Timu. Outstanding for the Reds this season but unproven at the top level. 6

7. Michael Hooper. Continues to set the standard with his massive appetite for work but needs to take control of his side's discipline. 8

6. David Pocock. Cheeky grubber kick last week shows game is still growing but influence will still be decided by how much leeway he is given at the ruck. 8

5. Adam Coleman. Started the season slowly but is now back to his old self. Needs to set the tone for the pack. 7

4. Izack Rodda. The Irish have been pumping up his tyres but may not have played if Rory Arnold wasn't suspended. 6

3. Sekope Kepu. Has held off the challenge of Taniela Tupou and has matured into a consistently good Wallaby. 7

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa. See Caleb Timu. Strong Super Rugby campaign but it's sink or swim time now. 6

1. Scott Sio. Massively strong but has a tendency to fall on wrong side of officials at scrum time for technical reasons. 7

Bench: 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Allan Alaalatoa, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Lukhan Tui, 21. Pete Samu, 22. Nick Phipps, 23. Reece Hodge: Michael Cheika loves a forward-heavy bench signals but can hotheads Latu and Tupou keep their composure? 6

WALLABIES TOTAL: 113

Ireland

Vintage: Murray's boot will be crucial to the outcome of the Australia-Ireland series.

Vintage: Murray's boot will be crucial to the outcome of the Australia-Ireland series.

Photo: AP

15. Rob Kearney: Has been a very good player for a long time and will play a key role in challenging Folau aerially. 8

14. Keith Earls: Seems to have improved with age and has found a home on the right wing with his elusive running. 7

13. Robbie Henshaw: Another great aerial athlete but will be tested defensively in an area Wallabies will try and strike with Folau and Beale. 7

12. Bundee Aki. Hard man of the Irish midfield with his bruising defence and damaging carries. Can play too but knows his role. 7

11. Jacob Stockdale. Big powerful young winger coming off a stunning Six Nations. Can sniff out an intercept too. 7

10. Joey Carbery. Finished the job off against the All Blacks in Chicago in 2016 so Irish have huge faith in him. Still a big test though. 7

9. Conor Murray. The best tactical kicker in the world, in any position, and deadly from 10m out from the try line. World's best. 9

8. CJ Stander. Will match the Australian back row for work rate. Just runs through brick walls in a green jersey. 7

7. Jordi Murphy. Another good example of Ireland's back row depth but Wallabies won't be sad to see Six Nations standout Dan Leavy off the team sheet. 7

6. Peter O'Mahony. Big lineout threat to the Wallabies with his defensive work but Ireland lose something without Rory Best as captain. 7

5. James Ryan. Massive young man whose every involvement is imbued with purpose. Big presence all over the paddock. 8

4. Iain Henderson. Perhaps overshadowed by Ryan's emergence but one of Joe Schmidt's favourites. Great ball carrier. 8

3. John Ryan. Will be targeted by Sio at scrum time and is probably Ireland's third choice tight-head on tour. 6

2. Rob Herring. Handed a chance by Rory Best's injury but inexperienced at Test level and will be under pressure to perform. 6

1. Jack McGrath. Part of an imposing 1-2 punch the Irish have at loose-head with Cian Healy waiting on the bench. 7

Bench: 16. Sean Cronin, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Tadhg Furlong, 19. Quinn Roux, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Kieran Marmion, 22. Johnny Sexton, 23. Jordan Larmour: The area where Ireland definitively have the edge with three British and Irish Lions and new star Jordan Larmour. 8

IRELAND TOTAL: 116

Paul Cully

Paul Cully is a rugby columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald.

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