AUSTRALIAN coach Michael O'Loughlin has slammed his team's effort in its 22-point loss to Ireland in the First Test of the International Rules Series at Breffni Park in Cavan.

 

O'Loughlin said he could live with his players making skill errors with the round ball or getting confused with their positioning in Saturday night's game, but would not compromise on their level of intensity.

 

"I was really disappointed in some of our efforts," O'Loughlin said.

 

"Our ability to apply pressure was non-existent in that first half and for a team that prides itself on pressure and being able to chase and tackle and that unrelenting presence, it was disappointing – that's the harsh reality of it.

 

"I think our guys got a really big wake-up call tonight. So some guys got found out that their efforts and their pressure needs to be at a higher standard than what it was."

 

However, O'Loughlin said Lance Franklin had enhanced his reputation against Ireland despite arriving just three days before the game.

 

The Sydney Swans recruit had a quiet first quarter, but worked his way into the game thereafter. Franklin kicked Australia's second over and was effective in the centre ruck contests, forming a solid partnership with Australian captain Daniel Wells.

 

"He was absolutely brilliant tonight, one of our best players," O'Loughlin said of Franklin.

 

"I think the way he went about playing tonight he enhanced his reputation among the staff and the players.

 

"I thought he had a real crack at it and was one of the shining lights of tonight."

 

Franklin will miss next Saturday's second Test at Croke Park to attend former Hawthorn teammate Brent Guerra's wedding.

 

Essendon forward/ruckman Patrick Ryder would be an ideal replacement for Franklin, but remains in Australia awaiting the birth of his third child.

 

O'Loughlin acknowledged time was running out for Ryder to make it in time for the second Test, saying he would have to fly out from Australia "sooner rather than later".

 

The Australians now face an uphill battle to win the International Rules Series and the Cormac McAnnellen Perpetual Trophy.

 

The Indigenous All-Stars will have to win the Second Test by at least 23 points to do so, but O'Loughlin has not given up hope.

 

"It's going to be tough, absolutely, really, really tough. But stranger things have happened," he said.