Ireland prepares to welcome former head coach Joe Schmidt and his Wallabies side for their upcoming 150th Anniversary Test at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. The game, which is sold out, marks the final fixture of Ireland's Autumn Nations Series campaign.
To commemorate Irish rugby’s 150th anniversary, the team will wear a specially designed one-off jersey, created in partnership with Canterbury, which will be available for purchase starting on Friday.
The match is also set to be a memorable occasion for Cian Healy, who is poised to break the record for Ireland's most-capped player. Healy will surpass Brian O'Driscoll’s 133 caps if he takes to the field from the bench, bringing his total to 134.
In the forwards, Andrew Porter and Finley Bealham are named as the starting props, keeping their spots from last week's win against Fiji. Ronan Kelleher comes into the starting lineup, replacing try-scoring debutant Gus McCarthy, who impressed against Fiji.
The second-row pairing is familiar, with Joe McCarthy keeping his spot and being joined by the ever-present James Ryan, who moves from the back row to the second row to face Australia.
Tadhg Beirne comes into the starting XV, replacing Cormac Izuchukwu to start at blindside flanker. He is joined by Josh Van der Flier, who starts at openside flanker, and Caelan Doris, who will once again lead his Irish side out, starting at number 8.
In the backline, Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw continue their partnership in midfield, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast named at scrum-half and out-half, respectively.
The back three sees a reshuffle, with Hugo Keenan and James Lowe returning to the starting lineup, replacing Jamie Osborne and Jacob Stockdale, who both picked up injuries against Fiji. Mack Hansen retains his shirt, starting at full-back.
Healy, who made his debut for Ireland against Australia in 2009, is set to make his milestone appearance off the bench, joining Gus McCarthy, Tom O'Toole, Iain Henderson, and Peter O'Mahony as forward reinforcements for head coach Andy Farrell.
Backs Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, and Garry Ringrose round out the Ireland matchday squad for the final test of the year.
Andy Farrell commented: "Saturday’s match is a major milestone for Irish rugby. Beyond the 150th anniversary celebrations, it gives Cian Healy the chance to become Ireland’s most capped player—an incredible feat, especially in his position. Cian is a true legend of the game, and we want to ensure he gets the performance he deserves."
Farrell added: "We’ve seen consistent progress over the past few weeks, and the Wallabies' visit presents another tough challenge for the squad. There’s a collective determination to finish the Autumn Nations Series on a high note."
Ireland (v Australia):
15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)(41)
14. Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(24)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(76)
12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(59)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(35)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(2)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(37)
1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(69)
2. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(36)
3. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(45)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(15)
5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(66)
6. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(55)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(67)
8. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(46)(captain)
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(1)
17. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)(133)
18. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(15)
19. Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(83)
20. Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)(109)
21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(17)
22. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(18)
23. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(62).
