Ireland make eight changes for second Test against Australia

by Frank Nickson Thursday 14 June 2018

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has made a total of eight changes to the starting line-up for the second Test against Australia in Brisbane.

Johnny Sexton, who was among the replacements in the Brisbane game returns to the XV and will partner Conor Murray leaving Bundee Aki out of matchday 23.

Tadhg Beirne is set to make his debut from the bench while Devin Toner replaces Iain Henderson in the second row. Keith Earls, who was in doubt following a head injury in the opening game has completed return to play protocol but will move from right to left wing to allow the inclusion of Andrew Conway.

Meanwhile, Australia have retained the same 23-man squad for the second game that won the first Test with an 18-9 margin.

Australia: I Folau; D Haylett-Petty, S Kerevi, K Beale, M Koroibete; B Foley, W Genia; C Timu, M Hooper (capt), D Pocock; A Coleman, I Rodda; S Kepu, B Paenga-Amosa, S Sio.

Replacements: T Latu, T Robertson, T Tupou, R Simmons, L Tui, P Samu, N Phipps, R Hodge.

Ireland: R Kearney; A Conway, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, K Earls; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, N Scannell, T Furlong; D Toner, James Ryan; P O'Mahony, D Leavy, CJ Stander.

Replacements: R Herring, J McGrath, A Porter, T Beirne, J Murphy, J Cooney, J Carbery, J Larmour.