Australia were in serious mood as they named a full-strength side today in preparation for a physical battle against Ireland in their final World Cup pool A match.
The Wallabies beat Argentina 24-8 in the opening game of the tournament and fielded different combinations in their next two games, thumping Romania 90-8 and Namibia 142-0.
"We had a training session yesterday that was probably harder than the last two games we've played," coach Eddie Jones told a news conference today.
Fullback Chris Latham, who scored a national record five tries against Namibia, was left out of the 22 for Saturday's game. The world champions' skipper George Gregan was recalled after missing the Namibia match with a minor leg injury, and vice-captain David Giffin was cleared to start after injuring his shoulder against the Pumas.
Ireland and Australia have qualified for the quarter-finals but Jones said he took little notice of rival coach Eddie O'Sullivan's suggestion that Ireland were more interested in winning the following week.
"They've always got smiling eyes the Irish, haven't they? We fully understand their intention on Saturday is to play as physically and aggressively as Ireland normally do," Jones said.
"You just have to go back to the pool game in 1999 and some of the incidents in that game. That's what we're expecting on Saturday."
Wallaby number eight Toutai Kefu was suspended for two matches for striking Ireland flanker Trevor Brennan in the group E match in Dublin in 1999, which Australia won 23-3.
Australia are officially ranked fourth by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and will tackle third-ranked Ireland with the same side who played Argentina, apart from the inclusion of prop Ben Darwin.
Jones said left wing Denis Hickie and flyhalves David Humphreys and Ronan O'Gara were in top form for the Irish and complemented their two leading players, captain and hooker Keith Wood and outside centre Brian O'Driscoll.
"They're an enormously intelligent side and they play to their key players," Jones said. Australia flanker Phil Waugh added: "Without a doubt the intensity has lifted this week. It's going to be a big challenge for the forwards."
Jones said Australia had some tight selection issues within the squad, adding that World Cup-winning flyhalf Stephen Larkham knew he had to be at his best to retain his spot ahead of 21-year-old reserve Matt Giteau.
"It's probably close to the first time in his career that he's had someone yapping at his heels so loudly," Jones said.
Australia:15-Mat Rogers; 14-Wendell Sailor, 13-Matthew Burke, 12-Elton Flatley, 11-Joe Roff; 10-Stephen Larkham, 9-George Gregan (captain); 8-David Lyons, 7-Phil Waugh, 6-George Smith, 5-Nathan Sharpe, 4-David Giffin, 3-Ben Darwin, 2-Brendan Cannon, 1-Bill Young.
Replacements:16-Jeremy Paul, 17-Al Baxter, 18-Daniel Vickerman, 19-Matt Cockbain, 20-Chris Whitaker, 21-Matt Giteau, 22-Lote Tuqiri.