‘I’m not a big centre’: Len Ikitau’s take on Ireland’s midfield

Wallabies centre Len Ikitau isn’t shying away from the challenge that awaits at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, anticipating a tough Test against Ireland’s “big centres” – regardless of who coach Andy Farrell selects for the Quilter Nations Series clash.

Farrell picked Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey and now-68-Test outside centre Garry Ringrose as the starting midfield pairing for the match against the All Blacks in Chicago, before going with a new duo against Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms in Tokyo.

Robbie Henshaw combined with Tom Farrell in the 31-point win over Japan, while British & Irish Lion Bundee Aki dropped out of the matchday 23 altogether after coming on off the pine against New Zealand at Soldier Field.

Ireland and the Wallabies are yet to reveal their lineups for this weekend’s match. Ikitau is available to return after missing the last two Tests, with coach Joe Schmidt retaining the combination of Hunter Paisami and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalli for Italy.

Ikitau missed the clash with England as it fell outside of World Rugby’s international three-week window, was called into the group ahead of the Italy Test, but then not selected in the playing squad. If selected for Ireland, the John Eales Medallist is ready for an almighty challenge.

“They’ve got some big centres. I’m not a big centre myself,” Ikitau told reporters in Dublin.

“They’ve got really direct ball carriers who can play out the back as well. Also, they’ve got sharp 10s who know how to use their centres and know how to get the ball to an edge.

“For us as a backline, we need to be sharp and on our toes.”

With Ikitau watching on from the stands in Udine, the Wallabies suffered a shock 26-19 defeat to Italy. That was the Azzurri’s second consecutive win over the Wallabies, having beaten them in their most recent meeting three years prior.

After shocking two-time defending World Cup winners South Africa in Johannesburg, the Aussies have lost six of their last eight. Their two wins came against Los Pumas in Townsville during The Rugby Championship and a thrilling Spring Tour triumph over Japan in Tokyo.

The Wallabies haven’t beaten Ireland since June 9, 2018, when they got the better of the visitors 18-9 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. They’ve lost the last four matches between the sides, but won’t be lacking motivation this week as they look to snap that streak.

“After any loss it’s pretty tough to review games,” Ikitau explained.

“For us mentally and physically, we just wanted to get everything right. We had a pretty light day on Monday.

“Everyone’s just keen to get back out there. Another opportunity for us to play against an awesome side like Ireland. They’re a tough team and especially at home in front of their crowd, very passionate.

“It’s just another opportunity for us to go out there and play some good footy.”