John O'Donoghue Minister for Sport: "I watched the South Africa match at Lansdowne Road and was very impressed with Ireland's performance. The Southern Hemisphere teams are a very different prospect from any other rugby sides. If we are to hold out any real chance of doing well in the Rugby World Cup next year in France then Ireland have to hope for a convincing display this weekend.
In real terms, you are talking about a victory over the Australians. That's the benchmark that the Irish will be seeking.
I believe it will be a hugely difficult task. I saw Ireland play against the Wallabies in Melbourne in the 2003 World Cup and it was a cracking encounter that was a credit to both sides. Ireland need to take that next step and they're capable. Since that match this Ireland squad have improved considerably and that augurs well."
Stephen martin Olympic Cpuncil of Ireland CEO
"I think Ireland have been more consistent in recent years and by being more consistent they have earned the right to go into this game against Australia feeling that they have a chance of winning. They are not a team now who just get one-off wins and in terms of progress, that is a positive sign. They also have exciting players and while in the past may have struggled to fill all the positions, that is not the case anymore.
"They have a range of players who can unlock defences in Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll and Shane Horgan. The fact that Ireland are always strong up front and have these players in the backline is encouraging.
"I think, too, that leading up to the World Cup they need to be picking off teams that they are capable of beating and that will further generate confidence against sides next year in France. I think they can win."
Ruby Walsh Jockey
"Confidence will be high after the victory over the Springboks. It doesn't matter how good or bad South Africa were as it's more about building a winning culture. The entire Irish team is playing well from the backrow getting to the breakdown and providing quick ruck ball that provides a platform to the brilliance of the backs. Ireland are now a very good team to watch.
"Ronan O'Gara is pulling the strings superbly at outhalf and all the units within the team are flourishing. I could only watch the second half of the Boks game because of racing commitments but myself, Tony McCoy and Mick Fitzgerald watched it together.
"I'll either be at Punchestown or Aintree on Sunday but I will find a way to see it. Nobody can afford to have a poor game against the Australians but this Ireland team is certainly capable of turning over the Wallabies."
Stephen Browne professional golfer
"This is probably the most exciting time in Irish rugby. The national side have fed from the sustained success of the Irish provinces in the Heineken Cup and now look capable of going on to provide a real challenge in next year's World Cup. The Irish team was the classic amalgam of the Munster pack and the Leinster backs but Ulster have now earned a healthy representation.
"Peter Stringer (starting on the bench for this match) and Ronan O'Gara have been catalysts in the past as both are on top of their games. O'Gara is a better tactician and that's reflected in his influence on the pitch. One of the most enjoyable things is the brand of rugby that Ireland play, a far cry from the days when someone with red hair was dragging his team-mates over a line. Australia are tough but Ireland have graduated from the one-off wins."
