All eyes turn to Dublin's Aviva Stadium this Saturday as Ireland and Australia prepare for a crucial Quilter Nations Series encounter, with both teams seeking much-needed momentum.
Teams Under Pressure
Andy Farrell's Irish squad enters the match following a less-than-convincing start to their November campaign. A defeat to New Zealand and a laboured victory over Japan have left fans wanting more from a side in a transitional phase. Conversely, the Wallabies are under even greater scrutiny after suffering two consecutive losses, including a shocking defeat to Italy, piling pressure on outgoing coach Joe Schmidt.
How to Watch Ireland vs Australia
The match is scheduled for Saturday 15 November with an 8.10pm GMT kick-off. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the action will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage commencing at 7.45pm GMT. Subscribers can also follow the game via a live stream on the discovery+ platform.
Key Team News and Line-ups
Ireland welcomes back Mack Hansen from injury at full-back, but the loss of Jamie Osborne is a blow. A major talking point is the selection of Sam Prendergast at fly-half, with the 22-year-old getting a significant opportunity as Jack Crowley moves to the bench. The centres see Stuart McCloskey partner Robbie Henshaw, while Paddy McCarthy earns his first Test start at loosehead prop.
For Australia, veteran James O'Connor is thrust straight into the starting line-up at fly-half after joining the squad this week. Len Ikitau returns to the midfield, and Tom Hooper shifts to the second row to allow Rob Valetini to start on the blindside flank.
Ireland XV: 1 Paddy McCarthy, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Ryan Baird, 7 Caelan Doris (capt.), 8 Jack Conan; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Tommy O'Brien; 15 Mack Hansen.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Nick Timoney, 20 Cian Prendergast; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Bundee Aki.
Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Jeremy Williams, 5 Tom Hooper; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 James O'Connor; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Filipo Daugunu; 15 Max Jorgensen.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Carlo Tizzano; 21 Ryan Longergan, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andrew Kellaway.
