A decline in viewership, the teams struggling to perform consistently and inability to adapt to modern competition in the recent past have created a question on the future of Super Rugby competition in Australia.
Waratahs will miss the services of Australia international Israel Folau in the weekend's Super Rugby clash against Rebels after his appeal against a one-match ban was dismissed.
Australia international Israel Folau has been cited for a dangerous play following the recently concluded third Test against Ireland at Allianz Stadium last weekend.
Ireland managed to hold off Wallabies in a tight 16-20 encounter at Allianz Stadium on Saturday to complete a 2-1 series victory - their first in Australia in 39 years. Here is the highlights from the thrilling game.
Australia skipper Michael Hooper believes defence will be vital to the team's fortune in the series-deciding final Test against Ireland to be played in Sydney on Saturday.
Australia head coach Michael Cheika has made two changes to the XV for the series-deciding final Test against Ireland to be played in Sydney on Saturday.
Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby has insisted that there will be changes to the starting line-up for the third and final Test against Australia to be played in Sydney on Saturday.
Australia ran a five-try riot as they finished the World Rugby U20 Championship 2018 with a fifth place following a 15-41 victory over Argentina in Beziers.
Ireland managed to resist Australia as they went on to register a 21-26 victory in the second Test at AAMI Park and levelled the series 1-1 with one game to go.
Bernard Foley contributed with 13 points as Australia controlled the final 10 minutes to win the first Test against Ireland at Suncorp Stadium with an 18-9 margin.