Wilson urges Wallabies to seize sold-out Sydney moment 15 months from home World Cup

Harry Wilson has called on the Wallabies to deliver a performance worthy of their growing home support as Australia faces Ireland at a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, 15 months out from hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Australia confirmed on 8 June that the venue would be at capacity for the Nations Championship opener — the first time Ireland have toured Australia in eight years, with the last three meetings between the sides having taken place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The Wallabies are also chasing an end to a five-game losing streak against Ireland that stretches back to 2018.

“It’s so, so awesome to have all the support we’ve got behind us,” Wilson told reporters in Sydney. “We know it’s on us to put out performances and to win Test matches for our country, especially in our own backyard here.”

The Wallabies broke their all-time home attendance record last year, and tickets for this fixture were snapped up quickly. Five further home matches are scheduled across the international season, building anticipation ahead of the 2027 World Cup on Australian soil.

Wilson, who captains the side, framed the Ireland clash as a benchmark test rather than a routine opener. “There’s no better way to start than against the number three Test team in the world. We know who we’re versing, we know how classy they are and I’m sure if we go out there, put a really good performance in, Australia will keep getting behind us,” he said.

“It’s exciting for us because it’s on us to put the performance in. It’s all in our hands and that’s really exciting.”

The captain also pointed to the broader mood around Australian sport this weekend, with the Socceroos competing at the FIFA World Cup and the Australia Women’s Cricket Team in a T20 World Cup Final. Wilson said the national enthusiasm surrounding those campaigns had not gone unnoticed inside the Wallabies camp.

“You see what the support for the Socceroos has been the last few weeks — it’s the whole country getting behind them and everyone is going to pubs and watching it,” Wilson said. “It’s a really big day of sport tomorrow in Australia. It’s an exciting day for Australian sport and hopefully it’s a really good day.”

With the World Cup clock ticking and a packed home schedule ahead, Saturday’s clash against Ireland represents the Wallabies’ first real chance to show they can match the occasion their supporters are creating.