O'Brien ruled out of Ireland vs Wallabies

27 Nov 2016 International

Ireland has been dealt a late blow ahead of Saturday's Wallabies Test, with inspirational flanker Sean O'Brien ruled out.

O'Brien sat out Friday's captain's run raising concerns about his availability for the match and the Irish confirmed his withdrawal late on Saturday local time.

Breaking News: @SeanOBrien1987 ruled out. @joshvdf to start & @peterom6 on the bench. #TeamOfUs #shouldertoshoulder pic.twitter.com/Ab8189O4J7
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 26, 2016

The backrower has been one of Ireland's shining lights in recent weeks, instrumental in Ireland's win over the All Blacks in Chicago.

Josh van der Flier, who impressed in Dublin against New Zealand, will come into the starting team for O'Brien, while Peter O'Mahony comes into the 23.

The battle between the backrows has been a much anticipated one and the injury development could hav a major impact on the match.

Centre Jared Payne will take his place in the team after sitting out the captain's run.

The change is the latest in a series of late changes along the Wallabies' Spring Tour, with Australia making a last-minute switch in Paris and Wales ruling out centre Jonathan Davies in the warmup.