Standing in Australia’s way is Sexton,the 37-year-old No.10 whose performances in a series winagainst the All Blacks in New Zealand this year only enhanced his legacy in Ireland.

There is some doubt over whether Sexton will be fit to play Australia. The Wallabies,who last played in Dublin six years agoin a 27-24 loss,believe the British and Irish Lions No.10 will be there.

“What a great challenge. It’s something I’m really embracing,” Foley said.

“It shows age is just a number. The thing about Johnny is he’s ultra-competitive and he must be doing everything right to keep himself on the top of the game. He’s looking after his body and he’s got world-class game management and skills.

“We don’t know what players are going to be in the mix[for the World Cup next year]. I’ve got to try and make the most of every game.”

It’s been a strange week in Wallabies camp. The group is certainly wounded from ahumiliating defeat to Italy but Foley and halfback Nic White,both put up for media duties and set to partner up again in the halves likethey did against France,can shoulder no blame for the defeat that has heaped more pressureon coach Dave Rennie.

Ultimately,the buck stops with Rennie,given the Wallabies are two losses away from their worst calendar year on record since 1958.

But White is firm in his view that players simply aren’t holding up their end of the bargain. That the playing group have actively spoken about playing for Rennie is an insight into the perceived disparity between expectation and execution.

“We don’t have our heads buried in the sands … we understand the pressure that’s come on,” White said. “It’s disappointing as a playing group letting him down and that he’s got this pressure. We do absolutely love being coached by Dave. He’s a phenomenal coach. I’ve said it a number of times now.

“The coaching staff is world-class and we as a playing group aren’t there. A lot of the pressure that is coming on him and the coaching staff is a whole lot to do with what we’ve put out on the field.

“It’s a chance for us to show how much we care for Dave and the coaching staff. We’re speaking about putting out a performance for him and the staff.”

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