John O'Sullivan gets the views of Australia captain Stirling Mortlock ahead of Sunday's eagerly awaited Test match at Lansdowne Road

Chris Latham eschewed the normal pre-game banalities. Despite being prompted to toss a few bouquets Ireland's way after their victory over South Africa last week, the Australian fullback preferred to focus on what his team need to do to win Sunday's Test encounter.

"It's a little bit hard to judge with the team that South Africa brought out. Obviously the way that they (Ireland) defended and put on the points early certainly showed a lot of promise there."

Of greater import for the one-time Munster target was the likely weather conditions; rain. "It's no secret that we are used to training in nice weather, (on) hard fields. We got the weather report leading into this week and for us (the conditions) will be the total opposite. Mentally we have to be ready (for that and) as they have their strongest side on the pitch."

He wasn't about to place much store in the most recent clash between the teams - in Perth last summer - pointing out, "different time, different occasion, different place. We are coming off the back of a long season, they're just starting to get into theirs and they'll be looking forward to kicking off this season with a couple of wins. Obviously they'll want to carry on from that win last week."

Australia coach John Connolly's decision to relocate his captain Stirling Mortlock to the inside's centre's role and thereby instigating a new midfield partnership with Lote Tuqiri, sits easily on the former's broad shoulders, despite the fact that he's never started a Test match there.

Mortlock pointed out: "The way the game is going, the significance about the number on your back is less. I suppose you could find yourself anywhere.

"There are a lot of forwards that get out there in the backline and (they) can play similar (roles) to centres. From my end there is a little bit more of an emphasis on knowing the time to get in as first receiver from certain phases.

"That's the only real difference. When I was playing out wide I'd try and run (through) holes a lot more. It's just a subtle change in making sure than I am really confident with the defensive changes at 12. It's not too much but there are little variances.

"Having the experience of captaining Super 12 and Super 14 teams; certainly it becomes a lot easier. It's about making sure that all the senior players bear a bit of the responsibility and not to let it wear down my game first and foremost."

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan is a fan of the Australian captain offering the following endorsement: "Stirling Mortlock is a big player for Australia when he's in the middle of the park. A lot of good things happen around him. He's a very good footballer and a strong man. I've always admired him."

It's reasonable to assume Mortlock and Tuqiri's roles may interchange during the game in much the same way their counterparts in the Ireland side, Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll, mix and match.

The memory of Ireland's victory - their only one in the last 16 meetings between the countries - at Lansdowne Road in 2002, a game played in appalling conditions has struck a chord with the Wallabies.

Mortlock admitted: "They (Ireland) are very good at playing to the conditions. We haven't in recent matches and as a team we have addressed that.

"Having said that Ireland have a strong team across the paddock. They have a good forward pack. Their lineout is fantastic. We have our work cut out for us."

One look at the history books would suggest the opposite is the case and if Ireland were to prevail on Sunday it would represent a highpoint and not just in this November Test series.