AUSTRALIA and Ireland want to showcase the elite talent in both squads in Saturday night's Test match at Croke Park that will decide the Virgin Australia International Rules Series.

Australian coach Alastair Clarkson and Ireland manager Joe Kernan said their teams would play an exciting brand of football in keeping with the spirit of the occasion although both are desperate to win.

The International Rules Diaries: Follow our blog

With the predicted temperature of just four degrees, local officials are predicting a crowd of close to 50,000 to Croke Park.

"It's going to be an open game," Kernan said. 

"It is an open game and a competitive game and the ball will move fast and hopefully we can take it up to them."

While the Irish can use the round ball better, Australia is more used to absorbing tackling pressure.

Clarkson said the game would be a tight contest as players from both countries only needed a patch of grass and an opponent to play to their best.

He rated the Irish team highly and said Australia would have to perform well to beat them. 

"They're a talented group. It looks like they have picked a speedy squad and we know they have some tremendous attributes, particularly physically, and if we allow them to control the ball and run with the ball we are going to be in a bit of trouble," Clarkson said.

Australia tuned up for the Test in New York and put their game face on as soon as they touched down in Ireland on Tuesday. 

The AFL was embarrassed with Australia's lack of competitiveness the last time they visited Ireland in 2013, and wants to prove their desire to keep the series strong in this game.

"All crowds, no matter where around the world it is, no matter what sport it is, they want to see a contest," Clarkson said.

Australia and Ireland both tuned up with final training sessions at Croke Park on Friday with the Aussies becoming increasingly comfortable with the round ball. 

Australia has no injury concerns in the squad with Dustin Fletcher ready to play his final game as goalkeeper. 

Kernan said he could see the day returning soon where 80,000 would pack Croke Park for a test match if the game is played the way Australia and Ireland want it to be played. 

"The game allows for high scoring and that is what the supporters love to see - balls in the back of the net, overs, even a behind if it is a close game," Kernan said.

"If we excite the crowd they will want to come back. It's up to us to produce the goods."