Aussie clash feels like 'second debut' - Toner

Devin Toner admits today's Australia clash feels like a second Ireland debut.

New head coach Joe Schmidt has handed joint control of Ireland's line-out to captain Paul O'Connell and 27-year-old Toner.

The Leinster lock will win his ninth cap against the Wallabies in Dublin - a contest he rates the biggest of his career.

Toner said: "I suppose it is almost like a second debut, to a certain extent.

"It's the first top-tier side that I've started against. And that means there is big pressure.

"This is probably the biggest game I've ever played in, so I'm just really looking forward to it.

"I've learned more from Paul in camp than before, working with him, how diligent he is in looking at the opposition, how and when we want to win the ball.

"And I'm really looking forward to playing alongside him."

Toner called the line-out in Ireland's 40-9, five-try Samoa victory that kick-started the Schmidt coaching era last weekend.

But now the lofty 6ft 11in set-piece presence knows the challenge ramps up considerably against Ewen McKenzie's attack-minded Wallabies.

Former captain James Horwill and new skipper Ben Mowen offer a varied line-out threat for Australia, with this weekend's visitors craving clean first-phase ball to release their talented backs.

Toner said Ireland face a challenge to match Australia's speed of movement and thought across the ground at the line-out.

The set-piece co-ordinator knows if the Wallabies create line-out space through quick footwork, they will secure trouble-free possession in the air.

Toner added: "They are a very powerful pack, Genia will be sniping around the ruck and Cooper has a great skill-set.

"But from a front-five point of view, they are very powerful and quick off the mark in that set-piece.

"That means we've got to be live to what they are going to try, and the speed of our reactions will be important.

"They're great in the contact zone too, so we've got to get our contact zone right and get our fight right in that area of the pitch."

Live television coverage of Ireland v Australia from 17:00 on Saturday 16 November on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage on Saturday Sport from 14:45 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).

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