Schmidt returns to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the first time since 2019, marking his first encounter with Ireland as the head coach of another nation.
Props James Slipper and Taniela Tupou will start for the Wallabies, with the experienced pair joining Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the front row. The match is a historic occasion for the hosts, who will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Irish Rugby.
Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will form the second-row partnership, with Williams returning to the line-up after recovering from the illness that sidelined him for the Scotland Test.
Queensland’s Fraser McReight is back in the starting XV, joining blindside flanker Rob Valetini and captain Harry Wilson in the back-row trio for Australia’s final Test of 2024. Valetini, along with Andrew Kellaway and Allan Alaalatoa, is one of three Wallabies to feature in all 13 Tests this year.
Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio will form the half-back pairing in their 29th Test appearances for Australia. Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will continue their midfield partnership, starting together for the third time on this Spring Tour.
Suaalii, who left the field against Scotland with a suspected broken wrist following a colossal hit on Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu, was a major doubt for the final Test but has made a remarkable recovery.
Max Jorgensen will start on the left wing, the only change to the backline from last weekend’s Test in Edinburgh, replacing try-scoring debutant Harry Potter. He will combine with Andrew Kellaway on the right wing and Tom Wright at full-back to form the back three.
The bench includes Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, and Alaalatoa as the replacement front row, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Langi Gleeson providing additional forward cover.
Tate McDermott retains his spot as the substitute scrum-half, while West Harbour junior Edmed is set to earn his first cap as Wallaby number 990, becoming the 19th Australian debutant this year. Last weekend’s try-scorer on debut, Potter, has been named as the replacement for the outside backs.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “It’s been a challenging year where we have grown a bit as a squad, and we have an opportunity to challenge ourselves again against what is a settled and cohesive Ireland team.”
“It’s going to be a big occasion at the Aviva with the 150th anniversary celebrations so I hope those in attendance get to enjoy a really good spectacle.”
Wallabies team to play Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin
1. James Slipper (142 Tests) – Bond Pirates
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (19 Tests) – Southern Districts
3. Taniela Tupou (57 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (24 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (9 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (51 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (24 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (21 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (28 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Noah Lolesio (28 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Max Jorgensen (6 Tests) – Balmain Wolves
12. Len Ikitau (38 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (3 Tests) – The Kings School
14. Andrew Kellaway (38 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (36 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (5 Tests) – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (35 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
18. Allan Alaalatoa (79 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (40 Tests) - Randwick
20. Langi Gleeson (13 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (40 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Tane Edmed* - West Harbour Juniors
23. Harry Potter (1 Test) - Moorabbin Rams
*denotes uncapped
