Skipper George Gregan scored his first try in almost four years as the Wallabies opened their World Cup build-up with a 45-16 win over Ireland in their Test match at Subiaco Oval.

Man of the match Gregan, who hadn't scored since 1999 in Australia's World Cup quarter-final win over Wales, collected a double.

He showed his skills in the second - and enjoyed a little luck that deserted the Irish - to put a chip kick into the in-goal area which bounced awkwardly for three defenders, allowing him to regather and touch down.

Gregan passed on the praise to his forwards, but Australian coach Eddie Jones was very happy with his captain's knock.

"I thought George played very, very well," Jones said.

"Steve Kefu was also very good while Morgan (Turinui), a young 20-year-old in his first Test did very well."

The Wallabies edged to a 14-13 halftime lead through tries to Gregan and five-eighth Elton Flatley, but it was a fairly scrappy affair as they blew away the cobwebs built up in the seven months since their last Test.

Flatley contributed a 20-point haul, including a try, six conversions and a penalty goal, and pulled off a try-saving tackle in the second half.

Jones described the performance as a positive start to the year.

"We knew we were going to be a bit rusty but we worked through that," Jones said.

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