The formal welcome to Sydney started at lunchtime on Sunday.
We left monsoon like conditions behind in Melbourne and on our approach to land at Sydney Airport, the sun was shining and thoughts turned to what non-rugby activities could be squeezed in during the week.
A venue for Sunday lunch was found, we chose an outdoor table in a nearby Italian, albeit with aheater overhead.
We should have heeded the warning signs when the owner approached with menus and was wearing a large wooly scarf to keep himself warm.
We battled through the cold as we ordered coffee I enquired about the weather? When had it turned bad? How long would it last?
The answer was revealing. He blamed the bad weather in the Blue Mountains. There was snow there, he said.
The Blue Mountains is a rugged region west of Sydney. Known for its dramatic scenery, it encompasses steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and villages dotted with guesthouses,galleries and gardens.
Echo Point affords views of the famous Three Sisters sandstone rock formation.
The cold snap is being driven from that region, encouraged by some rather heavy rain.
The central business district in Sydney is undergoing a transformation, refurbished buildings, lots of places to lease and above all George Street and quite a lot of Circular Quay is now a construction site for the laying of a new light rail system.
I’ve heard it’s behind time. Not a topic to bring up in discussion with the locals it seems.
That’s the background for this weeks series decider between Australia and Ireland. One win each - Australia in Brisbane, Ireland in Melbourne.
Nicely balanced.
Joe Schmidt made eight changes for Ireland last week. Will there be changes this week? There may be some but certainly not another eight.
He may look at hooker, second row, centre and wing. Some robust debate no doubt, but now the focus must be on winning the series.
Michael Cheika will be thinking the same. Prior to the series starting both coaches would privately have taken a series decider to sort this out.
Initial momentum was with Australia after Brisbane, switched to Ireland after Melbourne. Allianz Stadium in Sydney and its 45,500 fans will decide this one.
The stadium is long sold out. I’m expecting another huge Irish crowd this week, the noise they make, the love they have for their country, the pride they have in their place of birth and the joy of seeing their rugby team as 6 Nations Champions take on one of the best in the World.
That’s what I’m expecting from a wintry Saturday night in Sydney.
Follow Australia v Ireland in the final Test on RTÉ Sport Online and the RTÉ News Now app and listen to live commentary on 2fm from 10.45am (11am kick-off).
