Australia to play Ireland in SCG - report

Australia will reportedly play Ireland next year in the first rugby Test at the SCG in 34 years.

The Wallabies will take on the 2018 Six Nations champions in the second match of their scheduled series at the hallowed venue on July 11, the Sydney Morning Herald says.

Australia have not competed in a Test match at the stadium since their 26-0 win over Argentina in July 1986.

With Allianz Stadium and ANZ Stadium undergoing renovations, Rugby Australia is said to have opted for the SCG’s 48,000-seat capacity in the hope of attracting a large crowd.

The ground has a storied rugby history, with Australia defeating Great Britain 13-3 in front of 28,000 people at the stadium’s first union international on June 24, 1899.

The first match of next year’s series will take place on July 4th at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Ireland won the series 2-1 last year.

Australia claimed the first match 18-9 at Suncorp but Ireland prevailed 26-21 at Melb ourne’s AAMI Park in the second Test to set up an intriguing decider.

Ireland won 20-16 at Allianz Stadium to secure their first series success on Australian soil since 1979.

An emotional Dane Coles thanks his family for their support in a press conference today. CREDIT: World Rugby