Wilson relishes Wallabies backrow duel with Ireland's Lions-tested loose forwards in Sydney

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has identified the battle of the loose forwards as the key positional duel ahead of Australia’s first Test against Ireland at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, with both sides fielding backrow units of considerable international pedigree.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier — both British & Irish Lions from last year’s series — alongside Connacht’s Cian Prendergast at blindside flanker. Conan started all three Lions Series Tests in Australia roughly 12 months ago, while van der Flier was part of the touring squad. Prendergast, capped ten times, is the least familiar of the three to the Wallabies.

“It’s a really good backrow there. Obviously we versed van der Flier and Conan last year in the British & Irish Lions and we know what sort of players they are,” Wilson told reporters. “Prendergast, we haven’t seen too much of him compared to the other two but we’ve done our research and he’s quite an abrasive player. It’s a really good challenge and something we’re really looking forward to.”

Wilson’s own loose forward unit carries significant weight. Two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, coming off a strong Super Rugby Pacific season with the ACT Brumbies, starts on one flank, with Queensland Reds skipper Fraser McReight on the other. All three Wallabies starters have earned at least 36 Test caps, with Valetini the most experienced at 62 appearances. Wilson himself was named in the World Rugby Dream Team after a 15-Test international season in 2025.

Tom Hooper, who won Player of the Match in the third Lions Series Test in Sydney last August, is available from the bench after returning from a season with Exeter Chiefs.

“The training sessions, everyone’s always competing hard and that’s what you want,” Wilson said. “Everyone gets along so well in the squad and that’s what creates that nice environment against each other. Us four have the opportunity to go out there tomorrow night and we really want to start the year well.”

The context adds further edge to the contest. Ireland arrive in Australia for the first time since 2018, when the Wallabies won the opening Test before Ireland claimed the series 2-1. The Irish have won the last five meetings between the sides and finished second in the 2026 Six Nations with a 4-1 record, narrowly missing the title to France. Wilson’s Wallabies will be looking to end that run and set the tone for the series from the first whistle.