Ireland v Australia: Joe Schmidt returns to the Aviva as Andy Farrell looks to bow out before Lions break with win

Caelan Doris has allayed any fears of a void in the Ireland camp as Andy Farrell is set to depart for Lions duty, while Simon Easterby will take over as interim head coach for 2025. Sinead Kissane noted the Irish captain asking for ‘trust’ in the coaches: 

For our premium subscribers, Ruaidhri O’Connor looks at what Andy Farrell must do to avoid a similar upset caused by Joe Schmidt who masterminded New Zealand’s victory over Ireland in the 2023 Rugby World Cup as attack coach under Ian Foster:

Joe Schmidt can call upon Rugby League convert Joseph Suaali’i who was been passed fit to start on Thursday. Elsewhere, props James Slipper and Taniela Tupou have been recalled joining hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa. In Will Skelton’s absence, Jeremy Williams partners Nick Frost in the second-row. Rob Valentini starts on the blindside with Fraser McReight recalled to the openside with captain Harry Wilson at Number 8. 

Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio line up together in the half-backs for the 29th-time, with Len Ikitau at inside centre alongside the aforementioned Joseph Suaali’i. There is no shortage of flair in the back three as Max Jorgensen gets the nod on the left wing, with Andrew Kellaway on the right and the in-form Tom Wright at full-back. The Wallabies cavalry was dealt a blow this morning with Angus Bell ruled out late through illness. Isaac Kailea replaces the substitute loosehead on the bench. Tate McDermott will look to bring speed to the game as replacement scrum-half, with debutante out-half Tane Edmed set to feature also.

Andy Farrell announced his team to take on Australia at 2pm on Thursday, with the side restored to full strength and a big vote of confidence for a certain young out-half. Ronan Kelleher returns at hooker alongside props Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham. James Ryan is recalled to partner Joe McCarthy in the second-row, as Tadgh Beirne shifts back to blindside flanker. The in-form Josh van der Flier starts at openside, with skipper Caelan Doris in his usual Number 8 role. 

Jamison Gibson-Park links up with 21-year-old prodigy Sam Prendergast who retains the out-half jersey after his strong showing against Fiji. Bundee Aki plays on the inside of Robbie Henshaw in midfield, with James Lowe restored to the left wing, Mack Hansen on the right and Hugo Keenan at full-back. A powerful bench includes the impressive Gus McCarthy, Cian Healy on the verge of becoming Ireland’s most-capped player, and Tom O’Toole. The 5:3 split is rounded off with Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, and Garry Ringrose.

Cian Tracey and Sinead Kissane are at Lansdowne Road soaking up the pre-game atmosphere in their preview of Ireland versus Australia:

Some more pre-match listening from The Left Wing – Cian Tracey, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery sit down to talk all things Joe Schmidt’s Australia, the out-half pecking order at Leinster and Ian recalls some memories of training with Cian Healy:

Wallabies Head of Analysis & Skills Coach, Eoin Toolan, joins Will Slattery as the duo discuss insights into the Wallabies set-up, working under Joe Schmidt and attracting Aussie talents to rugby union. All that and more in the Left Wing Podcast:

Good afternoon and welcome to another Independent.ie live blog as Ireland look to sign off with a victory over Australia in their fourth and final test of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series. My name is Ultán Corcoran, and I will be guiding you through all the action as it unfolds in front of us.  

The Aviva Stadium marks the venue for this momentous fixture as the IRFU celebrate their 150th-Anniversary with a sold-out crowd of 51,700 confirmed. Kick-off is scheduled for 3.10 pm and the game is being televised live on Virgin Media One, the Virgin Media player, and TNT Sports 1. Pre-match build-up gets underway on both channels from 2.00pm.