The final major rugby Test of the year comes in Dublin on Friday night, as Ireland host Australia at the Aviva Stadium.
Former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt returns to his old stomping ground for the first time as an opposition head coach, looking to guide the Wallabies to their third win of the autumn series.
The Test will also be the last before Ireland coach Andy Farrell before he takes a sabbatical from the side to focus on coaching the British & Irish Lions, who tour Australia next year.
Here is everything you need to know about Sunday’s clash.
Key details:
When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 3.10 p.m. UK (2.10 a.m. Sunday AEST).
Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
How to watch: TNT Sports/ discovery+ (UK), Virgin Media One (Ire), Stan Sport (AU)
Officials: Referee: Andrea Piardi.
Assistant Referees: Gianluca Gneechi, Georgian Nika Amashukeli.
Television Match Official: Eric Gauzins.
Form guide:
After storming to Six Nations success at the start of the year — with their only loss coming in a last-minute defeat to England — Ireland have gone on to lose just two more Tests in 2024, against South Africa and New Zealand, respectively. The expectation on this Irish side is now incredibly high given their recent standards. While they haven’t been at their best in the November Tests, a win against Australia to cap off the year would largely satisfy their passionate fanbase.
Two wins against England and Wales to kick off the autumn had Australians dreaming of a historic Grand Slam. It was not to be though, as they lost 27-13 to Scotland last weekend. However, after being on a downward spiral in recent years, culminating in their worst-ever performance at a World Cup last year, the Wallabies look to be trending in the right direction under Schmidt. A win in Dublin would set them up nicely heading into next year’s Lions tour.
Team news:
Ireland: The will be without Jamie Osborne and Jacob Stockdale due to injury, while Tadhg Furlong and Ryan Baird have yet to recover in time, team officials said on Tuesday.
Utility back Osborne picked up a groin injury while Stockdale suffered a hamstring strain during the victory over Fiji.
Furlong missed Ireland’s three previous internationals this month but still has not been able to shake off a calf injury.
Baird is still following the return to play protocols after suffering a concussion in the win against Argentina earlier this month.
Australia: Alarm bells rang when superstar signing Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i was forced from the field in the first half against Scotland with a hand injury. However, it looks as though the worst has been avoided, and he will potentially be available, although don’t be surprised if Schmidt takes a cautious approach with the 21-year-old.
Lock Jeremy Williams has also travelled with the squad after missing the match in Edinburgh through illness. Meanwhile, Will Skelton looks set to return to club side La Rochelle, with Friday’s match coming outside an official Test window.
Key questions:
Can Ireland produce a clean 80-minute performance?
Their loss to the All Blacks — a clunky, dry affair — raised a few eyebrows for Ireland. They looked off the pace and void of fresh ideas that night. Jack Crowley received criticism for his lack of control from fly-half, and their standout players didn’t look as dominant has they have previously. Things looked better in the first half against Argentina, when they went into the break with a 22-9 lead. However, Los Pumas came roaring back, losing 22-19, keeping Ireland scoreless.
The win over Fiji was routine, with the Australia clash set to be crucial in the lead up to the Six Nations.
Will some older players prove they still have what it takes to keep Ireland at the top? Or will the younger crop take the reigns? Either way, should they lose in Dublin, the pressure will be firmly on the side as they look to defend their Six Nations title early next year.
Can Australia strike some fear into the British and Irish Lions?
This tour has largely been about one thing for the Wallabies: Can they show enough to convince people next year’s Lions tour won’t be a complete disaster? The consensus so far is yes.
Sua’ali’i has looked right at home and given the exceptional athlete he is, he will be hungry to keep improving before next season. Crucially, Australia look to have got some confidence back. They were at their lowest ebb after the World Cup, but Schmidt is turning things around. A win — or even a good performance — against Ireland would put the north on notice that this side are on the up.
Read more:
– Week 4 overreactions: Australia face Lions tour doom? England need rethink?
– Wallabies’ rose-tinted glasses dislodged as Grand Slam hopes shattered
– England vs Japan: Losing streak ends but questions remain
– Drive for Rugby World Cup three-peat binds the Springboks’ DNA
– Inside the maverick mind of Springboks’ innovator Rassie Erasmus