Ireland announce five changes for Autumn Nations Finale

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made five changes to the starting lineup for their Autumn Nations Series finale against Australia.

The clash, which marks Ireland's 150th anniversary Test, will be held at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Fly-half Sam Prendergast, who impressed in last weekend’s 52-17 victory over Fiji, keeps his starting position.

The 21-year-old delivered a solid debut performance, converting five of six attempts despite an early yellow card. Prendergast edges out Jack Crowley for the pivotal role.

Veteran prop Cian Healy is set to make history as he earns his record-breaking 134th cap. Named on the bench, Healy's achievement underscores his resilience and influence in Irish rugby.

Farrell remarked, "Cian is a giant of Irish rugby, and we are determined to provide him with a performance that he deserves."

This match also serves as Farrell's final game as head coach before a sabbatical in 2025 to focus on his British and Irish Lions duties. Simon Easterby will take over as head coach for the 2025 Six Nations.

Ireland’s lineup changes include the return of Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ronan Kelleher, and James Ryan. They replace Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale, Craig Casey, Gus McCarthy, and Cormac Izuchukwu.

Farrell emphasized the importance of ending the series on a high note: "We have seen steady improvements over the last few weeks, and the visit of a strong Wallabies side presents another challenge for the squad."

Ireland began their Autumn Nations Series with a loss to New Zealand but bounced back with victories over Argentina and Fiji.

Ireland XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter

Reserves: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Peter O’Mahony, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Garry Ringrose