Skipper Johnny Sexton will return from injury as part of eight personnel changes to Ireland’s starting XV for Saturday evening’s autumn finale against Australia in Dublin. Vice-captain James Ryan, prop Andrew Porter, flanker Josh Van Der Flier and full-back Hugo Keenan have also been recalled after overcoming fitness issues. Leinster back Jimmy O’Brien has been preferred to Robert Baloucoune and shifts to the left wing after starting at full-back last Saturday. Ireland wing Mack Hansen is preparing to face his native Australia (Brian Lawless/PA)Tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong, lock Tadhg Beirne, back-rower Caelan Doris and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park have also been retained. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made sweeping changes (Niall Carson/PA)Fly-half Sexton on Wednesday declared himself fit after suffering a dead leg against South Africa at the start of the month.

Source: The Herald November 17, 2022 18:19 UTC