The Irish conclude their autumn tour on Saturday against the Wallabies, outside the international window.
Young fly-half Sam Prendergast (21) retains his place in the Ireland XV at the expense of Jack Crowley for the last November test match against Australia, Saturday (4:10 p.m.) in Dublin, according to the lineup revealed THURSDAY. The Leinster player made a convincing start against Argentina (22-19) then got his first start against Fiji (52-17), with five successful conversions.
He will team up with Jamison Gibson-Park to take on Australia at a sold-out Aviva Stadium, which will also honor the 150th anniversary of the Irish Rugby Union. Crowley will take his place on the substitutes’ bench with notably the third row and ex-captain, Peter O’Mahony, and the pillar Cian Healy. If he comes into play, at 37 years old, the latter will become the only record holder for selections with Ireland, ahead of Brian O’Driscoll.
“Cian is a giant of Irish rugby and we are determined to give him the performance he deserves”declared coach Andy Farrell, quoted by the federation. After this match, Farrell will step aside temporarily to prepare for the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia, which he will lead next summer. He will be replaced by defense coach, Simon Easterby, during the next Six Nations Tournament.
Australia, a moribund arrival in Europe, beat England (42-37) and Wales (52-20) before losing 13 to 27 against Scotland last weekend at Murrayfield. “We have had a difficult year in which we have grown as a team, and we have the opportunity to take on a new challenge against a united and cohesive Ireland team”commented Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
The composition of Ireland:
Keenan – Hansen, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe – (o) Prendergast, (m) Gibson-Park – Van der Flier, Doris (cap.), Beirne – Ryan, McCarthy – Bealham, Kelleher, Porter.
Substitutes: G. McCarthy, Healy, O’Toole, Henderson, O’Mahony, Casey, Crowley, Ringrose.
The composition of Australia:
Wright – Kellaway, Suaalii, Ikitau, Jorgensen – (o) Lolesio, (m) Gordon – McReight, Wilson (cap.), Valetini – J. Williams, Frost – Tupou, Paenga-Amosa, Slipper.
Substitutes: Pollard, Bell, Alaalatoa, Salakaia-Loto, Gleeson, McDermott, Edmed, Potter.
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