Luke Hodge of Australia challenges Irish forward Benny Coulter

The second and final test in Melbourne on 28 October now looks like a mission impossible for Pete McGrath's men after being so outplayed by the Aussies.

Down's Benny Coulter scored two of Ireland's goals with Sean Cavanagh getting the other, while Andrew Lovett and Chris Johnson netted for Australia.

The previous record was Ireland's 72-47 win in the 2004 first Test in Dublin.

The Irish also won the second Test last year to make sure of lifting the Cormac McAnallen Cup.

However, the cup will almost certainly be changing hands as Ireland face a 36-point deficit going into the second game.

They were 25-15 down after the first quarter with Coulter and Tyrone's Stephen O'Neill among the points.

Lovett snapped up a close-range goal for Australia to extend their lead to 46-29 at the halfway stage.

Ireland's first goal came 12 minutes into the third period when Coulter beat keeper Dustin Fletcher to a high ball to fist into the net.

The Aussies, who landed 27 three-point overs to Ireland's 11, got their second goal with a Johnson penalty awarded against Anthony Lynch for a holding offence.