Simon Easterby: Wallabies want to 'lay down a marker' against Ireland ahead of 2027 RWC

Ireland head into Sydney's Aviva Stadium with a clean bill of health, with Andy Farrell set to pick his strongest possible side from the fit and firing 36-man squad.

However, Easterby shared how this incoming clash in New South Wales would be the perfect opportunity for Australia to 'lay down a maker' ahead of their home-hosted 2027 Rugby World Cup.

"A lot of us as coaches have had a bit of time against them [Australia]." Easterby said, at Ireland's training camp. "Certainly last summer [with the Lions], and then in November. They're a physical team who will look to try and impose themselves on the opposition.

"Something that we're well aware of, is their threats in attack and their ability to to attack in a way that can create opportunities. Those are the things that we've spoken about in a bit of detail today. [We are] Expecting a side who got probably a chance to go and lay down a bit of a marker leading into a World Cup year, playing at home for the first time in a while. I's exciting for us to be here in their first game."

With the entire travelling Ireland squad available for the weekend, Easterby, Farrell and the Ireland team have plenty of tough decisions to make regarding selection. Easterby revealed how picking the team has been made all the more difficult given how the young players have stepped up, eager to take their opportunities upon the Southern Series.

"It's been a great mix." Easterby said. "Sometimes players miss out for whatever reason, through injury or non-selection, and you get the opportunity to work with other players, and they've all slotted in really well.

"It's a testament to the group, we've had no one drop out of training, [but] we haven't looked after them, they've worked hard, they've hit the ground running. It's going to be an interesting few weeks in terms of selection, because some of the more experienced players are training well, but also some of the younger guys have made their mark as well."

2. Scarlets legend: He made 201 appearances for Llanelli and the Scarlets, captaining the club for five consecutive seasons before becoming their head coach.

3. Lions Test try-scorer: Called up as an injury replacement on the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour, Easterby forced his way into the Test side and scored a try in the second Test against New Zealand.

4. Ireland's longest-serving coach: Having joined Ireland's coaching staff in 2014, Easterby has worked under both Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell, making him the longest-serving member of the current coaching team.

5. Racing dynasty connection: Away from rugby, Easterby comes from a famous Yorkshire horse-racing family, with his grandfather and relatives among Britain's best-known racehorse trainers.