Not a half measure for Aussies

THE Wallabies will bank on a decade-long partnership between Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley to help snap a 17-year drought in series deciders when they meet Ireland in the third Test in Sydney.

A 26-21 victory for the world No.2 Irish side at AAMI Park squared the series at 1-1 and set up a showdown at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Foley said the blockbuster has a “grand final” feel.

But the Wallabies will have to shake off a poor record in deciders.

They haven’t won a third game in a live series since beating the British and Irish Lions in Sydney in 2001.

Since then, they have lost all three third-Test deciders – against South Africa in 2005, New Zealand in 2008 and the Lions again in 2013.

Lock Adam Coleman has been cleared of a facial fracture but will have to pass concussion tests to play.

But the absence of Will Genia is certain after the Melbourne Rebels halfback had surgery yesterday on a broken arm.

Back-ups don’t come much more experienced than Phipps, with 63 caps, though.

He and Foley first played together for Sydney Uni colts in 2008 and have been Waratahs teammates since 2014.