Ireland\u2019s Nations Championship opener has been given a sharper selection edge by the Prendergast brothers.<\/p>\n
Andy Farrell has named both Sam Prendergast and Cian Prendergast in his starting side for Saturday\u2019s clash with Australia at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, with Irish Rugby confirming<\/a> the full match-day 23 on Thursday.<\/p>\n Sam Prendergast starts at fly-half alongside Jamison Gibson-Park, while Cian Prendergast is selected at blindside flanker in a back row completed by Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan. Dan Sheehan captains Ireland from hooker as Farrell opens the inaugural competition without Caelan Doris.<\/p>\n Why the double selection matters<\/p>\n This is more than a family footnote. Ireland are asking Sam Prendergast to manage tempo against a Wallabies side built around fresh combinations, while Cian Prendergast gives the pack a mobile, confrontational edge away from home.<\/p>\n Hugo Keenan starts at full-back, Rob Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne take the wings, and Garry Ringrose partners Stuart McCloskey in midfield. Australia have also named their team, with Rugby Australia confirming<\/a> Jock Campbell\u2019s Test return and Lachlan Shaw\u2019s possible debut from the bench.<\/p>\n For Ireland, the selection points to control first: aerial security, a strong kicking spine and enough bench power through Tadhg Beirne, Bundee Aki and Craig Casey to change the final quarter.<\/p>\n