Ireland v Australia: Ross Byrne called up amid Sexton fitness doubts

Ross Byrne was last capped by Ireland in the 2021 Six Nations win over England

Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne has been called into the Ireland squad for Saturday's game against Australia amid doubts over Johnny Sexton's fitness.

Byrne linked up with the squad on Monday night to boost head coach Andy Farrell's options at 10.

Sexton is struggling with the dead leg he suffered against South Africa while Joey Carbery has been ruled out of the Wallabies game with a head injury.

Byrne won the last of his 14 caps as a replacement against England in 2021.

His Leinster team-mate Ciaran Frawley had jumped ahead of him in the Ireland pecking order but he will be sidelined for a number of months after having knee surgery on Tuesday.

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Munster fly-half Jack Crowley came off the bench for his Ireland debut against Fiji and could again feature against Australia as Farrell's side bid to end their year with a record-equalling 12th successive home win.

Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out with a hamstring injury while James Ryan, Andrew Porter, Josh van der Flier and Hugo Keenan are all carrying knocks.

Ireland began their autumn international series with a 19-16 win over World Cup winners South Africa in Dublin, followed by a 35-17 victory against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium.

Sheehan's 2022 has 'exceeded expectations'

Meanwhile Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan has admitted that a whirlwind 2022 has exceeded expectations following his nomination for world breakthrough player of the year.

The 24-year-old has established himself as a regular under Andy Farrell during a stellar 12 months in which he contributed significantly to a summer tour success in New Zealand and the recent victory over world champions South Africa.

He only made his international debut last autumn and began the calendar year behind Leinster team-mate Ronan Kelleher in the pecking order and still awaiting a first Test start.

A shoulder injury suffered by Kelleher in the second-round Six Nations defeat to France opened the door to the number two jersey and Sheehan has not looked back.

Dan Sheehan has established himself as Ireland's first-choice hooker

His rapid rise was on Monday recognised with a place on World Rugby's shortlist for the year's best emerging talent, alongside Ireland team-mate Mack Hansen, England's Henry Arundell and Italy back Ange Capuozzo.

"The last year has gone so quickly and I have enjoyed every second of it," said Sheehan, who is expected to win his 13th cap in Saturday's Dublin clash with Australia.

"I've probably come along a bit further than I thought, but it's been great.

"I was playing AIL (All-Ireland League) week in, week out not so long ago and to be here at the top, international rugby, it's exactly how I dreamed as a kid that this is what it would be like.

"It has been a great year. And I can't wait to keep going and put my best foot forward."

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