Prop Tony Buckley has insisted Ireland are "hungry" to beat Australia and make amends for their defeat to New Zealand.
Buckley insists his side can bounce back against Australia
Prop Tony Buckley has insisted Ireland are "hungry" to beat Australia and make amends for their defeat to New Zealand.
Ireland had held an 11-8 lead after 43 minutes against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday - only for the hosts to come storming back to win 22-11.
And although the Irish were left disappointed by the defeat, Buckley claims they can bounce back against Australia in Melbourne.
"We came within 10 points of a New Zealand team that we could have beaten," the 27-year-old said. "We came so close. There were a few minor errors that cost us big time.
"We should have been much closer. I felt we were unlucky on the night. We will be looking at capitalising on those situations against Australia. Everybody will be looking to fix their mistakes... to build on what they did last weekend.
"Against Australia we really have to win, we'll be more hungry for the victory.
Breaches
"It's their first game together under a new coaching staff and hopefully we can get them this time."
Buckley has pinpointed the defence and set-pieces as the key areas that Ireland need to work on if they are to taste a first victory over Australia on home soil since 1979.
"We'll need to tighten up a little," he said.
"There was one or two little breaches but on a normal day that wouldn't have happened.
"We were very good in and around the ruck, drove the All Blacks back a bit. We were quite strong in that area."
