Irish Rugby

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It has not been the most comfortable of starts to the autumn internationals for both Ireland and Australia.

Andy Farrell's side opened the month with defeat to the All Blacks in Chicago followed by last week's unconvincing win over Japan in Dublin.

For the Wallabies, their European tour has seen defeats to England and Italy leaving the tourists in a run of bad form with just one win in their last six games.

Ireland have named Mack Hansen a full-back and recalled Sam Prendergast at fly-half for Saturday's match as Farrell makes nine changes from the side that beat Japan 41-10 last week.

Hansen, who was not expected to feature at all this month after picking up an injury on duty for Connacht, finds himself starting in the 15 jersey for the first time for Ireland with Hugo Keenan and Jamie Osbourne on the sidelines.

For 22-year-old Prendergast, it is a first start since Ireland's Six Nations defeat to France in March, having been been locked in a battle for the jersey with Jack Crowley over the last 12 months.

Stuart McCloskey returns from injury while Paddy McCarthy earns his first Test start following his debut against New Zealand and a try-scoring cameo against Japan.

James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan are the others recalled to the starting team.

For Australia, Schmidt has opted to give James O'Connor his first northern hemisphere Test appearance in four years as he starts at fly-half.

He'll partner Jake Gordan in the half-backs with Len Ikitau (centre) and Max Jorgensen (full-back) returning to the starting side with Ulster-bound Angus Bell joining Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.

Full teams

Ireland: M Hansen, T O'Brien, R Henshaw, S McCloskey, J Lowe; S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; P McCarthy, D Sheehan, T Furlong ; J Ryan, T Beirne; R Baird, C Doris (capt), J Conan.

Replacements: R Kelleher, A Porter, T Clarkson, C Prendergast, N Timoney, C Casey, J Crowley, B Aki.

Australia: M Jorgensen; F Daugunu; JA Suaalii, L Ikitau; H Potter; J O'Connor, J Gordon; A Bell, M Faessler, A Alaalatoa; J Williams, T Hooper; R Valetini, F McReight, H Wilson (capt)

Replacements: B Pollard, T Robertson, Z Nonggorr, N Frost, C Tizzano, R Lonergan, T Edmed, A Kellaway.

Coverage details

The match kicks off at 20:10 GMT.

There will be live radio coverage from 20:00 GMT on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

We'll have further reaction and analysis from former Ireland star Conor Murray on the Ireland Rugby Social podcast after the match too (available on BBC Sounds).

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Prop Scott Wilson and centre Jude Postlethwaite have signed new contracts with United Rugby Championship side Ulster.

Postlethwaite, 23, has agreed a new deal until 2029, while Wilson has signed on until 2028.

Both players featured on the Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa in 2024 and in an Ireland XV game against Spain in November.

Postlethwaite, who scored six tries in 18 appearances for Ulster last season, said he was "very pleased" to sign a new deal.

"I'm really enjoying playing in this team and feel we are starting to show signs of a really exciting team going forward.

"It's something that I'm excited to be a part of and there is strong competition in the squad, which will only make me a better player."

Wilson, who made his senior debut against Munster in 2023 and played 19 times last season, said it was a "huge honour" to represent his home province.

"Ulster is a special club with incredible supporters, and I'm excited to keep developing my game under the coaching team," said the 23-year-old.

"I want to continue pushing for selection, challenge myself to improve in every area, and contribute as much as I can to the team's success."

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy, who coached both players of Ireland's Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam winners in 2022, said he was "excited" to see their development.

"Jude is an exciting young centre with a plenty of potential and room for growth. His ability to play both 12 & 13 showcases his versatility," Murphy said.

"He is a very strong, athletic ball carrier with a good offloading game, making him one to keep an eye on going forward.

"Scottie is a dynamic young prop and with time and application, can develop into a top-class tighthead prop. He has great ball carrying skills and the ability to do things other props struggle to do."

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist

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Quilter Nations Series: Ireland v Australia

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Sports Extra 2, Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app; text commentary on the BBC Sport website

Bundee Aki says he is determined to reach "another level" with Ireland after admitting his form is not where he wants it to be.

While the Connacht centre started two British and Irish Lions Tests against Australia in the summer, Ireland boss Andy Farrell picked Stuart McCloskey at inside centre for the defeat by New Zealand in Chicago a fortnight ago.

Named as a replacement for Saturday's Test against Australia, Aki is keen to recapture the form that saw him nominated for World Rugby player of the year in 2023.

"Probably not at the point where I want it to be. That's what it is, you just have to adapt and go with it," said the 35-year-old.

"We have such healthy competition in the Irish group with Robbie [Henshaw], Garry [Ringrose], Stu and now Tom Farrell. All quality players. It's a matter of how much you can improve your game and take it to another level and that's what I need to do."

He added: "There's healthy competition, guys who have been playing well for their provinces and putting their hand up.

"You saw Stu play very well in the New Zealand game and then Robbie and Tom play in the Japan game, the guys are putting their hands up. Once you get your chance, you've got to take it with both hands."

Aki will be 37 by the time the 2027 Rugby World Cup rolls around, but he is not concerned about age.

"I think coaches understand how players are, that's why our strength and condition coaches and nutritionists are there," added the Auckland-born back.

"We just have to turn up. We know we have to do all the recovery we can, making sure you look after your body physically and mentally, so that all plays a part.

"I don't think age plays a really big part of it, you just have to make sure you're ready to go when called upon."

When asked where he feels are Ireland are at the midpoint of the World Cup cycle, Aki said: "We're building nicely, we're learning on the go.

"There's a transition period at the moment but guys are finding their feet, finding their flow and starting to play how they want to play the game. I think we're in a great spot at the moment."

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James O'Connor will play his first Test in the northern hemisphere in four years after being recalled by Australia to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday (20:10 GMT).

The 35-year-old will start at fly-half for the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt, who faces the side he led to three Six Nations title as the predecessor to current Irish head coach Andy Farrell.

Australia have lost five of their last six matches and their two autumn Tests with England and Italy have both ended in defeat.

"We've tried to get some freshness into this squad," said Schmidt.

"There's a bit of wear and tear, to be honest, and we're just trying to mitigate some of the wear and tear and get a fresh 15 out there."

Leicester Tigers' O'Connor, who made his first Australia appearance in three years against the British and Irish Lions in July, will partner Jake Gordon at half-back after missing the Wallabies' three most recent games against Japan, England and Italy.

Len Ikitau returns to join Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre, while Harry Potter retains his place on the wing and will start in the back three alongside Filipo Daugunu and Max Jorgensen.

Ulster-bound prop Angus Bell is named in the front row alongside Matt Faessler and the returning Allan Alaalatoa.

Tom Hooper moves from the back row to lock, as Rob Valetini joins Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson in the pack.

"I've learned a long time ago, you can't please all the people all the time, but we've got to build some depth," added Schmidt, who will be replaced by Les Kiss next year.

"I feel like if you don't have strength in depth, you're too vulnerable. But how do you learn and how do you get better? I think the only way to do it is in the arena, and at some stage, you've got to trust everyone in your squad.

"If you've selected them, then they have to be ready for whatever is demanded of them once they put on a Test jersey."

Australia: M Jorgensen; F Daugunu; JA Suaalii, L Ikitau; H Potter; J O'Connor, J Gordon; A Bell, M Faessler, A Alaalatoa; J Williams, T Hooper; R Valetini, F McReight, H Wilson (capt)

Replacements: B Pollard, T Robertson, Z Nonggorr, N Frost, C Tizzano, R Lonergan, T Edmed, A Kellaway.

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Ireland assistant coach Andrew Goodman provided an update on the fitness of injured quartet Mack Hansen, Stuart McCloskey, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier before Saturday's Test against Australia (20:10 GMT).

British and Irish Lion Hansen was called into the squad on Monday despite initially being considered out for the autumn series because of the foot injury he picked up in his side's United Rugby Championship loss to the Bulls last month.

Ulster's McCloskey missed the 41-10 win over Japan after picking up a groin injury in the defeat by New Zealand in Chicago.

Ringrose and Van der Flier were also absent for the Japan victory with hamstring injuries.

But Goodman confirmed all four are in contention to feature against the Wallabies after they all took part in some form of training on Tuesday.

"It's great to have Mack back amongst the squad, he's a great lad to bring the energy up and boys look forward to having him," Goodman said.

"He took full part in training today and was running around well, Stu the same and Garry [and Josh] are going through their process return to play so they took part in parts of training today.

"They're [all] pushing for the week ahead."

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Australia's Ulster-bound prop Angus Bell is not feeling any extra pressure before Saturday's Test against Ireland (20:10 GMT).

Bell, 25, will join the Irish province on a short-term deal until the end of the season following the autumn internationals.

"Playing for your country's enough pressure as it is," said the loose-head.

"The pressure that we do have is privilege, be lucky enough to be playing a Test match for your country against any team, it's an incredible privilege.

"It's massive challenge, as every Test match is, but especially against the Irish."

Bell, who has 48 Wallabies caps, added: "They're a great team, as you've seen earlier in the year when most of them were in the British and Irish Lions.

"They're great athletes, and we know how dangerous they are with ball and without."

Bell, who plays for the Waratahs in Super Rugby, said he is excited to experience something new during his stint in Belfast.

"Ulster have a really great coaching staff, some really good older men that played last week, [Stuart] McCloskey in the centre," said the Sydney-born forward, who featured in all three Tests against the Lions.

"You have got a couple forwards mixed in there too. It's to experience something new, get away from Australia briefly, hopefully to come back into the environment would be great.

"It's all about learning from there, I'm still just 25 so just learning off those people around the world."

Bell, who has been preparing for the move by watching the Kenneth Branagh-directed film Belfast, added: "It was something that I needed in my career, I thought would be beneficial.

"I know it's colder than Australia, that's for sure."

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Ireland hooker Gus McCarthy said the side are putting incredible work to ensure their line-out is where it "should be" against Australia this weekend.

Andy Farrell's forward pack have struggled out of touch during periods of Test matches against New Zealand and Japan this month. They will face the Wallabies in Dublin on Saturday (20:10 GMT) before finishing their November slate by hosting South Africa a week later.

While Ireland have had long stretches of their set-piece being a strength, the inconsistency has been a factor dating back to the last World Cup in 2023.

Like in the defeat by the All Blacks a week prior, Ireland's first line-out of the game went awry in Saturday's victory over Japan and, across the 80 minutes, they lost three of 17.

There was, however, a marked improvement as the game wore on with second-half replacement McCarthy scoring a 66th-minute try off of a maul.

"I think it's just kind of going back to basics," said the 22-year-old.

"I know a lot of things happen in a line-out, a lot of times a lot of onus is put on the hooker, but there's a lot of different moving parts.

"It's very tough on everyone in the line-out, but as a squad, we're putting in incredible work so I'm sure we should be back to where we should be next week."

Farrell's assistant with responsibility for the line-out is Paul O'Connell with McCarthy adding that the legendary Ireland lock is a far calmer presence as a coach than his playing persona may suggest.

"Paulie, he's incredibly detail-focused. What I've learned from him is just he's very, very process-driven, and he gets you to just double down on yourself," added the Leinster hooker.

"He's very calm and very composed. He'll just maybe give a few tips on where he thinks we can improve on. He's very calm, there's no screaming or shouting.

"Paulie puts such trust in us. We have such a good plan and such a good group of lads."

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Former Ireland captain Peter O'Mahony believes there are sections of the side's support who need "a bit of perspective" after this month's loss to New Zealand.

Andy Farrell's side were beaten 26-13 by the All Blacks in Chicago to start their autumn series, before putting an unconvincing first-half performance behind them to eventually overpower Japan on Saturday.

Reaction to the Soldier Field defeat, coupled with the side surrendering their Six Nations crown to France this year, has led to questions regarding the side's direction heading towards the 2027 World Cup.

Speaking on the the Ireland Rugby Social podcast with Conor Murray, O'Mahony said the discourse around the team needs to "calm down".

Ireland did not win a Test match against the All Blacks until 2016 and, in O'Mahony's first year as an international in 2012, a 3-0 series whitewash in New Zealand included a 60-0 humbling in Hamilton.

"It's kind of ironic at the moment because people are asking me about the current Irish team and what's going on," he told the podcast.

"It's funny [where] the state of mind of an Irish rugby supporter has gone from me starting my career, or say even five or six years before that, to now saying there must be something big wrong with Ireland if we've lost to the All Blacks."

When reflecting on how expectations have changed, O'Mahony believes the media narrative around the team plays into the general sentiment.

"(In 2012), we got absolutely hockeyed over there, we'd never beaten them. You break the mould in 2016 and then all of a sudden we beat them five out of 10 times. Now when we lose to them, people are going, 'oh there's a big problem with the Irish rugby team'.

"I think it should be a bit of perspective from Irish rugby fans in general, calm down a bit.

"They can be hysterical at times, you know what I mean? Part of that is the media."

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British and Irish Lion Mack Hansen has been recalled to the Ireland squad for the side's remaining autumn Tests, but Jamie Osborne will miss out with a shoulder injury.

Ireland are back in action against Australia on Saturday in Dublin (20:10 GMT) before taking on world champions South Africa at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 22 November (17:40 GMT).

Connacht's Hansen has rejoined the squad despite initially being considered out for the autumn series because of the foot injury he picked up in his side's United Rugby Championship loss to the Bulls last month.

Hansen has never started at full-back for Ireland, although his past four Connacht appearances have been in the position, but with usual starter Hugo Keenan also out the former Brumbies player gives head coach Andy Farrell another option in his back three.

Osborne wore the 15 jersey against New Zealand and Japan to start the month but was replaced by Jimmy O'Brien in the second half of the 41-10 win over the latter on Saturday and Farrell said afterwards that his shoulder injury did not "look good".

Hansen's club-mate Darragh Murray has also been called into the squad with the second row capped during the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal.

Leinster pair Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier remain doubts for this weekend's game against the Wallabies with hamstring strains and their progress will be monitored before the team is announced on Thursday.

There is better news on the injury front with centre Stuart McCloskey making progress with a groin injury sustained against the All Blacks and expected to take a full part in training this week.

The Wallabies will be without La Rochelle lock Will Skelton in Dublin on Saturday after the 33-year-old sustained an ankle injury for his club against Toulon in the Top 14 at the weekend.

After Australia's defeat by Italy on Saturday, Leicester Tigers fly-half James O'Connor has joined up with Joe Schmidt's squad for the visit to the Aviva Stadium.

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Nick Timoney says "a more measured approach" has improved his performances for Ulster and Ireland.

Timoney scored Ireland's second try in the 41-10 win over Japan in Dublin on Saturday.

Despite a number of standout performances for Ulster, Timoney has only won five caps since making his debut in 2021 with Ireland's depth in the back row.

"I'm a bit more settled and a bit more mature," said Timoney when asked how he has changed since his first call-up into an Ireland squad.

"If you asked Andy [Farrell, Ireland's head coach] and he answered honestly, he would probably say I was a bit desperate for it all when I first came in.

"Not that I'm not as enthusiastic as ever but I have a more measured approach to it now.

"I hope I am a better and most consistent player because of that."

Ireland held a 17-10 lead against Japan at half-time, but Eddie Jones' side were the more impressive team in the opening 40 minutes.

However, Ireland rallied and raced clear in the closing stages of the game as Japan started to tire.

"There were elements of the first half that didn't go entirely to plan," Timoney added.

"But our ability to maintain composure and finish the game quite strongly was quite pleasing.

"I enjoyed myself. I felt lucky to be back in a green jersey and I was determined to enjoy it as best I could."

With further Tests against Australia and South Africa to come, the 30-year-old said it would be "amazing" if he could add further caps in November.

"I would love it so much but who knows?" he said.

"I've made a commitment not to be too hung up on selections and stuff, but I'm sure if I'm hopefully here next Saturday I would be incredibly excited and honoured to be involved.

"But we'll have to see how that goes."

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After a loss against New Zealand in Chicago last weekend, Ireland are back on home turf to take on Japan in Dublin.

Andy Farrell's side will expect to get back on track against the Brave Blossoms, although they have had trouble with this particular opponent before.

What was then Joe Schmidt's team were beaten 19-12 in one of the great World Cup upsets six years ago. That, however, is Japan's only win in the fixture.

How will things play out this time around?

You can follow live audio coverage of the game on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.

Presenter Orla Bannon will be joined in the studio by former Ireland internationals Robbie Diack and Claire Small with Jim Neilly and Ian Humphreys in the commentary booth.

The BBC Sport website and app will have live text commentary, as well as all the reaction after the final whistle.

Line-ups and officials

Ireland: J Osborne; T O'Brien, T Farrell , R Henshaw, J Stockdale; J Crowley, C Casey; A Porter, R Kelleher, T Clarkson; J Ryan, T Beirne; R Baird , N Timoney, C Doris (capt)

Replacements: G McCarthy, P McCarthy, F Bealham, C Prendergast, J Conan, C Blade, S Prendergast, J O'Brien.

Japan: Y Yoshitaka Yazaki; K Ishida, D Riley, C Lawrence, T Osada; S Lee, N Saito; K Kobayashi, K Sato, S Takeuchi; E Uluiviti, W Dearns; B Gunter, K Shimokawa, F Makisi.

Replacements: S Hirao, R Iwaihara, K Tamefusa, J Cornelsen, M Leitch, S Fujiwara, S Komura, Y Hirose.

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (ITA)

Assistant Referees: Andrea Piardi (ITA), Federico Vedovelli (ITA)

Television Match Official: Matteo Liperini (ITA)

Foul Play Review Officer: Eric Gauzins (ITA)

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Ireland prop Andrew Porter says his side are taking inspiration from their 60-5 win against Japan in 2021 as they look to kick-start their autumn campaign against the same opposition on Saturday.

Andy Farrell's side are looking for a reaction at the Aviva Stadium after their disappointing 26-13 defeat against New Zealand in Chicago last weekend.

Porter explained that Ireland were looking back at that big win over Japan four years ago that set them up for the success that has since followed under Farrell.

"It was a bit of springboard and was a step in the right direction," Porter said of the win in which Johnny Sexton contributed 16 points on his 100th Ireland cap.

"We were looking back to it and how good that cohesion was. It felt like everything clicked that day and, in that series, and that's what we're trying to do now after game one, we want to get that feeling back."

Porter said that having reviewed the game against the All Blacks there were "snippets" of what Ireland can do but it ultimately "wasn't the account we wanted to give of ourselves".

He hopes Ireland can respond against a Japan side that were thrashed 61-7 by South Africa last weekend.

"They're a really well organised unit. Against South Africa, it didn't go the way they wanted but they're still a great attacking threat and have a good set piece, so we won't be taking them lightly or will be complacent about it at all," he added.

"The worst thing you can do is underestimate them and we won't be doing that. "

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Shayne Bolton says he has "no regrets" about leaving South Africa for Connacht as he prepares to take on Spain in Leganes as part of an Ireland XV on Saturday (16:00 GMT).

The 25-year-old winger was born in South Africa, but qualifies for Ireland though this grandmother.

Professional rugby had always been a big ambition, but with opportunities at home thin on the ground, he opted to take the plunge in Ireland which he says "worked out how I hoped and more".

Bolton made his test debut in the summer win against Portugal when scoring two tries and is delighted to have another opportunity to impress this week.

"I only had a two-year contact out of school with the Cheetahs and they didn't offer me a contract extension, so for my third year I was just playing college rugby and wasn't getting many opportunities there. I just decided to take a chance in coming to Ireland and it's paid off," he explained.

"In school and after school, I just wanted to give my best in rugby and see where it takes me. I wasn't really thinking about the future, but trying to stay in the present. It's worked out how I hoped and more as I never thought I'd be in this environment, so I'm very thankful."

Bolton admitted he was "very nervous" when first called into the Ireland set-up, but feels he has settled.

He was part of the travelling squad for last weekend's 26-13 defeat to New Zealand in Chicago and although not involved in the match-day 23, has taken a lot from being around the senior team.

"The last two weeks were really big for me, just being in the camp with them and seeing how the preparations go on a big test week, just getting that feeling and the buzz around the place. I took loads of learnings from that," he continued.

"I got loads of information there, just seeing how the boys look at the game, how thew back threes look at the game and how we can take opportunities to attack in a game."