Wallabies v Ireland Preview

Fri, Nov 14, 2025, 9:00 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies continue their Autumn Nations series against Italy at Bluenergy Stadium, Udine.

The Wallabies will be desperate for victory as they head north to face Ireland in Dublin.

Joe Schmidt reunites with his old side once again, with the former Irish boss nearly pulling off the upset in 2024.

Watch the Wallabies take on Ireland live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

With the Wallabies coming off back-to-back defeats, the Australians are out to recapture the magic and take down the hosts.

Rugby.com.au previews all the action presented by Bet365

Teams

Ireland (15-1): Mack Hansen; Tommy O'Brien, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (capt), Ryan Baird; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Paddy McCarthy

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Thomas Clarkson, Nick Timoney, Cian Prendergast, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Bundee Aki

  • Mack Hansen starts at fullback for the first time at Test level, facing his native side.
  • Sam Prendergast slots into the flyhalf jersey after back-to-back appearances off the bench.
  • Paddy McCarthy has earned a maiden start in the front-row,

Australia (15-1): Max Jorgensen; Filipo Daugunu, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; James O'Connor, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Tom Hooper, Jeremy Williams; Allan Alaalatoa, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Zane Nonggorr, Nick Frost, Carlo Tizzano, Ryan Lonergan, Tane Edmed, Andrew Kellaway

  • John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau returns to the centres for the first time in the Spring Tour
  • He is joined in the backline by James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu and Max Jorgensen.
  • Allan Alaalatoa starts after missing the Italy defeat, with Rob Valetini elevated back into the starting side.
Stats
  • Ireland have won six of their last seven against the Wallabies, however, five of those wins have come by five points or less.
  • Australia has the highest scrum success rate (99%) of all tier one nations, with Ireland the only team executing under 90% (89%)
  • Ireland have won 11 of their last 12 home games against sides from The Rugby Championship.
Key Match Up

Tadhg Furlong v Allan Alaalatoa 

Two of the best tightheads are going head-to-head as Furlong and Alaalatoa loom as the key deciding factors at set-piece.

The pair battled it out throughout the Lions tour, with Alaalatoa starting the first two games before he missed the final Test win.

Alaalatoa’s energy and leadership will be massive for the Australians to silence the Dublin crowd if they are to come away with the win.

Prediction

Ireland by 2

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