Ireland's superior ball-handling and foot skills proved the difference in a record-breaking victory over Australia in Friday night's International Rules First Test at Etihad Stadium.

While the locals struggled to control to round ball, the visitors had no problems pinpointing passes, setting up scoring opportunities or converting in the 4.17.5 (80) to 1.8.6 (36) rout.

The 44-point margin was a new record for International Rules Tests surpassing Australia's 38-point buffer at Croke Park in 2006.

The men in green neutralised the Aussies' physical advantage with superior pace and when the time came to put their bodies on the line, the Irish gave as good as they got.

In fact it was an Irishman - albeit one who's AFL-trained - Pearce Hanley, who landed the biggest legitimate hit of the night, a perfect hip and shoulder that left Jack Trengove in gaga land.

Hawthorn's Matt Suckling was preferred to Zac Smith for the goalkeeping duties for Australia despite the Gold Coast ruckman's devotion to the role at every practice session during the week.

Apparently coach Rodney Eade thought Smith would be better value as a tall target up forward.

The most experienced player on the field, Tadhg Kennelly, playing his 11th IR Test, was among Ireland's best along with fellow veteran Stephen McDonnell, Sydney Swans recruit Tommy Walsh and the pacy Leighton Glynn.

The trend for the match was set early.

While the Australians butchered their scoring opportunities in the opening term, the Irish just couldn't miss.

Robbie Nahas, Ben McGlynn, Stephen Milne and Smith all fluffed shots they would surely have slotted with the oval ball before Milne finally landed the hosts' first over in the 18th minute to ironic cheers from the crowd of 22,921.

By that stage, the visitors already had an iron grip on the contest with four overs and a goal to the dangerous Michael Murphy.

Set free after a turnover in midfield, the big No.23 charged towards goal with only the 'keeper to beat.

The Irishman blasted the ball into the bottom corner of the net from about eight metres giving the hapless Suckling no chance.

The Aussies found their range in the second quarter but couldn't prevent the Irish from extending their 18-point quarter-time lead to 24 at half-time.

The highlight for the locals was skipper Brad Green's goal which was gifted to him by his opposite number Stephen Cluxton.

Attempting a switch at the back, Cluxton didn't notice Green lurking and the Aussie skipper was able to nip ahead of his marker and scuff the ball into an unguarded net.

Earlier, the Irish scored their second goal in similar fashion when Eamonn Callaghan artfully chipped the advancing Suckling.

Tempers frayed in the third quarter after Mitch Robinson KO'd Irish No.3 Emmett Bolton after both dived head-first for a loose ball.

While Bolton was being attended to, his team-mate Brendan Murphy forced his way into the Aussie huddle to remonstrate, sparking a push-and-shove that never really got out of hand.

Five Irish overs to Australia's one in the third term was a fair indication of where the game was heading.

Holding a 33-point lead at the final change, the only question to be resolved was - how far the Irish?

Plenty, was the answer, after Glynn, Kieron Donaghy and McDonnell added their names to the list of goalscorers in a stunning five-minute spell early in the final term.

AUSTRALIA: 0.1.1, 1.4.2, 1.5.5, 1.8.6 (36)
IRELAND: 1.5.1, 2.9.5, 2.14.5, 4.17.5 (80)

GOALS: Australia: Green
Ireland: M. Murphy, Callaghan, Glynn, Donaghy, McDonnell
OVERS: Australia: Milne 2, Nahas, Douglas, Robinson, Gray, Monfries, Green
Ireland: McDonnell 4, T.Walsh 3, M.Murphy 2, Glynn 2, McKernan 2, Donaghy 2, Kennelly, B.Murphy
BEST: Australia: Vince, Douglas, Robinson, Kelly, Smith, Green
Ireland: Hanley, M. Murphy, Kennelly, T. Walsh, McDonnell, Glynn, McKernan
INJURIES: Australia: King (knee), Shiels (corked thigh)
Ireland: Bolton (concussion)
REPORTS: Nil
UMPIRES: David Coldrick, Ray Chamberlain
CROWD: 22,921 at Etihad Stadium