Ireland’s Joe McCarthy is tackled by Jeremy Williams, left, and Allan Alaalatoa of Australia during last year’s Autumn Nations Series match at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Ireland take on Joe Schmidt’s Australia on Saturday, as the former Leinster and Irish head coach returns for what could be his last game in Dublin.
Here is all you need to know ahead of the third Autumn international Test for Andy Farrell’s men.
What time is kick-off?
Ireland take on Australia at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, November 15, with kick-off at 8.10.
Where can I watch?
The match is live on RTÉ2 with coverage starting at 7pm, and you can also follow the action on the Irish Independent live blog.
What form are the teams in?
Ireland are still searching for form after defeat to New Zealand in Chicago two weeks ago and a far from perfect victory over Japan in Dublin last weekend.
Farrell’s men will be familiar with a Wallabies side that ran them close last November, before Gus McCarthy scored the winning try.
The majority of the squad will also remember how tough Schmidt’s side were to break down during the Lions series Down Under.
Australia will arrive in Dublin wounded after a tough tour so far, losing to England 25-7, before a shock 26-19 defeat to Italy.
What is the team news?
Mack Hansen trained fully on Tuesday, as the Connacht star looks to feature against the country of his birth on Saturday.
Hansen is in the mix to return this weekend, which is a big boost for Ireland, after losing full-back Jamie Osborne to a shoulder injury, while Hugo Keenan (hip) remains sidelined.
Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey also trained fully on Tuesday having picked up a groin injury during the All Blacks defeat. McCloskey’s fellow midfielder Garry Ringrose and back-row Josh van der Flier are both continuing in their recovery from slight hamstring strains.
Will Skelton has emerged as a serious doubt after he picked up an ankle injury in La Rochelle’s recent defeat against Toulon in the Top 14.
Veteran Australian out-half James O’Connor has joined up with the squad in Dublin, and the 35-year-old could be in line for an appearance after Carter Gordon limped off against Italy. Schmidt has also confirmed that centre Len Ikitau is available.