Ultimate Guide: Ireland v Australia

The Commonwealth Bank Matildas will face the Republic of Ireland at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin, as they return to action following a history-making campaign in Tokyo. The international friendly will be the first meeting between the two nations in a women’s international fixture. 

Here's everything you need to know about our upcoming match.

IRL v MAT thin


Background

The first meeting between the two nations will be the Commonwealth Bank Matildas first match since their historic fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020, with the Ireland friendly marking the cycle of new beginnings for the side, which will include the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ and the Paris 2024 Games. 

September will be the third window in succession that the Commonwealth Bank Matildas will assemble. 

With the deep run in Tokyo, the Republic of Ireland will be Australia’s 12th international match this year, with opponents spanning four different FIFA confederations.    

Hosts of the fixture, Ireland, who since September 2013 have played all their home games at Tallaght Stadium, head into the fixture having won only one of their last eight women’s internationals (L7), with their last victory a 3-0 win against Montenegro in March 2021 during UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying.

CommBank Matildas training in Dublin, September 2021

Squad

Tony Gustavsson announced a 25-player squad, with a focus on the next phase for the Commonwealth Bank Matildas with various new faces receiving their first call-up to a senior camp. 

A cohort of defenders have been added with Emma Checker and Jenna McCormick recalled, while W-League Championship-winning captain Angela Beard, W-League Young Player of the Year nominee Jamilla Rankin and her former Brisbane Roar teammate, Winonah Heatley, have been invited to test themselves in the national team environment.

Remy Siemsen, Clare Wheeler and Indiah-Paige Riley round out the new faces in camp, with Riley debuting earlier this year against Germany. 

With the likes of Ellie Carpenter, Kyah Simon and Hayley Raso being withdrawn from the squad after consultation, this upcoming match could see a plethora of debutants. 

Gustavsson is using the opportunity to introduce some new players to the high-pressure environment, with coaching staff wanting to utilise every camp and every match to become one day better. 

READ: How to watch CommBank Matildas v Republic of Ireland

MORE: Being back in camp is a home away from home for Micah

How to watch CommBank Matildas v Republic of Ireland

Background

This upcoming friendly will be the first meeting of the two sides. Ireland's head coach Vera Pauw has also used the opportunity of the first meeting between the two sides to call up some young players, with many on the squad having only a handful of national team caps. 

Although the two nations have never met before our players have plenty of connections to the Irish team, with many playing against and alongside the Irish women in leagues all around the world. 

Ireland have never qualified for a major international tournament, recently being knocked out of qualifying for Women's Euro 2022 after finishing in third in their group. 

However, the side is looking towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ as their major tournament debut, so it's only fitting the first nation they play in this quest for new beginnings, is Australia. 

Match Details

Republic of Ireland v Commonwealth Bank Matildas
Wednesday, 22 September 2021
Venue: Tallaght Stadium, Dublin
Kick Off: 4:00am (AEST)
Broadcast: Live and free on 10 and simulcast on 10 Play. Pre-game coverage from 3.30am AEST. 

Please note that all dates & times listed are AEST. Kick-off in Rep. of Ireland is on Tuesday, 21 September 2021 at 7:00pm local time.