The first International Rules Test was a tough, physical encounter

Ireland selector Peter McGinnity believes they can still clinch the International Rules series in Australia despite being 10 points down after the first Test.

The Australians won Friday's opener 56-46 after Ireland squandered a 14-point lead.

The second Test will be staged in Melbourne on Friday with the aggregate scores determining the overall winners.

"I felt we had enough chances to be in the lead after the first game," said McGinnity.

"But we kicked poorly in front of goal which is not what we expected.

"I do not know what happened. We started off very well but then things went a bit off the rails and we missed chances.

"Our boys had problems handling Barry Hall in their full-forward line.

"Also we conceded three goals and they are valuable in this game, being worth six points.

"There are areas we have to work on before Friday but I would be more worried if we had not been able to create the chances.

"A lot of our players who had not played this game before have now had 80 minutes. A lot of learning has been done.

"Maybe the Aussies willl relax and think they are home and dry."

However, Australian coach Gary Lyon has cautioned against his side believing they have the series in the bag.