Wallabies look for fresh start against Ireland

By Julian Linden

SYDNEY (Reuters) - A new era in Australian rugby beckons when the Wallabies tackle Ireland in a one-off test in Melbourne on Saturday.

The appointment of New Zealander Robbie Deans as Australia's first foreign coach has added an extra twist to a match that promises to be a torrid physical battle.

Deans, who accepted the job after being overlooked by the All Blacks, has promised to help reinvigorate Australian rugby in the same way he masterminded Canterbury's domination of the Super 14.

His philosophy to involve all 15 players in the game fits in well with the Australian psyche but his first task is to solve the side's scrummaging problems.

The inadequacies of Australia's forwards were cruelly exposed during last year's World Cup quarter-final loss to England and Deans believes the tough Irish pack will offer the perfect test of where they currently stand.

"Australia was always renowned for attack and for being very expansive and attack is something we'd certainly like to do when the circumstance presents itself," he told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday.

"Obviously in test rugby you just can't hope to succeed without engaging your opponent. There are no shortcuts."

Deans has only had 10 days to work with his new team so is not expecting them to adapt to his style immediately, but is hoping to make a winning start.