Rugby: Ulster duo named in Ireland squad for Wallabies clash

Stuart McCloskey returns to the Ireland starting line-up for the penultimate Autumn Series clash against Australia this weekend.

The Ulster centre has recovered from the groin injury picked up in the defeat to New Zealand in Chicago that caused him to miss last weekend's win over Japan in Dublin. McCloskey's club-mate Nick Timoney is amongst the replacements for this Saturday's tie at the Aviva Stadium (8.10pm)

Caelan Doris will captain the side while Mack Hansen starts at full-back alongside Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe in the back three. Robbie Henshaw is alongside McCloskey in midfield, with Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park selected to start in the half-backs.

In the pack, Paddy McCarthy is set for his first test start in green at loosehead prop, partnering Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong in the front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.

Ryan Baird, Doris and Jack Conan complete the starting team.

Head Coach Andy Farrell has strong options on the bench with Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Thomas Clarkson, Nick Timoney and Cian Prendergast the forward replacements, while Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Bundee Aki provide the backline reinforcements.

Looking ahead to the game, Farrell said: “There’s great respect and familiarity between Ireland and Australia and Saturday is the latest renewal in a series of matches which have been pretty evenly balanced over the last number of years.

"There has been a good buzz around training this week and the players are excited about the challenge that awaits. For us it’s about putting in an 80-plus minute performance and to try and implement our gameplan in front of what we know will be a vocal home support."

Ireland squad to play Australia, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Saturday November 15th (8.10pm)

15-9: Mack Hansen (Connacht), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), James Lowe (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)

1-8: Paddy McCarthy (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster)(C) Jack Conan (Leinster)

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Bundee Aki (Connacht)