Ireland v Australia will meet at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday night in the year’s last international rugby test. The final match of the Autumn Nations Series pits Ireland against Australia. It is a unique, historic fixture at Aviva Stadium that honours the 150th anniversary of the IRFU.
In an attempt to lead the Wallabies to their third victory of the autumn series, former Ireland manager Joe Schmidt makes his maiden appearance as an opposition head coach at his old haunt.
In addition, this Test will be the final one before Ireland coach Andy Farrell takes a break from leading the team to concentrate on leading the British & Irish Lions on their upcoming tour to Australia.
Ireland v Australia Live Game
When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 3.10 p.m.
Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Ireland v Australia last six Test matches, Ireland has won five of them
The visitors will have one less day to prepare after losing to Scotland on Sunday, while Andy Farrell’s team will benefit from their convincing success over Fiji on Saturday.
The Wallabies are only making their second trip to Dublin since 2016, and they will be looking to win the match away for the first time since 2013—that victory being in Schmidt’s second game as Ireland’s manager.
Australia is always a thrilling match, but this one is made even more exciting by the return of an old acquaintance.
After three seasons with Leinster, Joe Schmidt, the head coach of the Wallabies, has led Ireland into an era of unparalleled success during his six years in charge. Schmidt doesn’t need an introduction around here.
Andy Farrell served as Ireland’s defensive coach during Schmidt’s time there, and his appointment as head coach provided genuine continuity. Under Farrell, Ireland has changed, although some of Schmidt’s characteristics are still present.
Overall head-to-head: 37 played – Ireland 14, Australia 22, Draw 1.
Last five games: IRE 27 AUS 24 (2016 Autumn Internationals), AUS 18 IRE 9 (2018 Summer Tour), AUS 21 IRE 26 (2018 Summer Tour), AUS 16 IRE 20 (2018 Summer Tour), IRE 13 AUS 10 (2022 Autumn Internationals).
Ireland v Australia Team news
Due to a persistent calf injury, Tadhg Furlong will not play in Ireland’s last Autumn Nations Series match.
Jamie Osborne (adductor), Ryan Baird (head), and Jacob Stockdale (hamstring) will also miss the Wallabies match, further hurting head coach Andy Farrell’s options.
Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, James Ryan, and Jamison Gibson-Park are all anticipated to return to the team, but Andy Farrell may have to make some difficult decisions following a number of strong performances in the match against Fiji.
Are there any tickets left?
Tickets for Saturday’s game have sold out.
How can I watch?
Virgin Media One will show the game live with coverage starting at 2pm. For those in the North, TNT Sports 1 will also have Ireland v Australia live coverage from the Aviva.
