Wallabies eye Grand Slam, but need go-ahead from Ireland

The Wallabies are attempting to forge a Grand Slam tour in November by adding an Irish fixture to their existing ones scheduled against England, Scotland and Wales.

Rugby Australia is in talks with the IRFU in an attempt to bring the latter around to the idea which would give the Wallabies an opportunity to do something which has not been done by an Australian national team since 1984, when Andrew Slack’s side beat England 19-3, Ireland 16-9, Wales 28-9 and Scotland 37-12. It was a remarkable achievement which placed Australian rugby firmly on the map, and one that the current crop would love to opportunity to emulate.

In 2009, the Australians had an opportunity for the Grand Slam title as the year drew to a close. They began the campaign encouragingly – beating England 18-9 – before drawing with the Irish 20-20. Demoralised, they succumbed to 9-8 defeat to Scotland before giving a strong showing at the end to put Wales away 30-12.

In 2013, Ewen McKenzie’s men again ventured north with high hopes for a long tour which included fixtures against the Home Nations and Italy as well. Their Grand Slam aspirations were dashed in the first fixture against the English, however, they brushed aside all of their remaining opponents for a very successful tour which, much to their displeasure, did not include the Grand Slam title.

“If we can make it happen, we’d be delighted,” said Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan.

“We have spoken to Ireland. We would love to make it happen and if it works for Ireland, we’re up for it.”