Australia captain David Wilson has warned Ireland that his team can step up a gear and inflict an even heavier defeat than the 46-10 first-Test mauling when the nations clash again in Perth tomorrow. Wilson believes the tourists will provide a more formidable obstacle in the second Test but is confident his own troops can also improve. "They didn't have the luxury of seeing how we were going to play last week. They will have learned a lot since then," said Wilson.

"They had a number of chances last week when they could have scored but they were unable to capitalise.

"Against New South Wales Country (whom Ireland beat 43-6 in their first tour match) we saw what they could do when they tried to run the ball - they proved they can play that way."

Repeated penalties against the Irish players for ruck and maul infringements led to frustration in the Australian team in the first Test, and it was fortunate tempers did not boil over.

"It didn't work for them last week," said Wilson. "We're not worried they may try to play that way but we'd be disappointed if they do. (Referee) Andre Watson is conscious of any foul play and it was discussed as the game went on last week. He said he would be keeping an eye on it and I'm sure he will again."

Wilson said that Australia's opening performance wasn't disrupted because of the Irish forwards and that his side started to improve the longer the game progressed.