Irish Rugby

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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."

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Ireland full-back Jamie Osborne said that his side have to "be better defensively" against Japan than they were against New Zealand.

Osborne started in Ireland's disappointing 26-13 loss against the All Blacks at Soldier Field last weekend.

Andy Farrell's side now face Japan at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (12:40 GMT) in the first of three home games this month and Osborne believes Eddie Jones' side will be a "challenge" despite their 61-7 loss against South Africa last time out.

"They're very dangerous, they have great feet especially in the wide channels and they like to move the ball to width, they play a bit deeper than we would," Osborne explained.

"They will get the ball into the 15 and attack from there, so we have to be better defensively getting after them."

The versatile 23-year-old said he has been "enjoying" playing regularly at full-back for Leinster and Ireland in the absence of the injured Hugo Keenan.

He added that the squad are relishing a return to Dublin for a first home game since losing to France in the Six Nations in March.

"Anytime you lose a game you just want to get back on the pitch as soon as possible and try and right a few wrongs," he continued.

"Everyone is looking forward to getting back out in front of a home crowd for the first time in a while."

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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said Tadhg Beirne's disciplinary hearing was a "distraction" for the player this week.

Beirne was sent off in the third minute of his side's 26-13 defeat by New Zealand last weekend but is available to start against Japan in Dublin on Saturday (12:40 GMT) after the card was rescinded.

The Munster forward was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on All Black fly-half Beauden Barrett in Chicago but the decision was upgraded to a 20-minute red card during the game after a bunker review.

On Tuesday an independent disciplinary committee found that "whilst an act of foul play had occurred, it did not meet the red card threshold" leaving Beirne free to take his place alongside James Ryan in Ireland's second row against the Brave Blossoms in the second of four Tests this month.

"It's a distraction for Tadhg," said Farrell.

"You can't obviously select a side or know for definite what's going to happen, even if you're putting your mortgage on trying to presume [the decision would be overturned].

"There's a distraction in going through the process, the amount of emails flying around and then the hearing itself. I sat through it with Tadhg, it's not nice."

Farrell added that Beirne, who was player of the series in the British and Irish Lions' series victory over Australia during the summer, was delighted to still be in line to win his 63rd Ireland cap on Saturday, even after an incident in training left him needing stitches.

"He was over the moon to be available, not that you'd be able to see it from Tadhg's mannerisms," he said.

"He trained [on Wednesday] and Jack Conan came down on his head with an elbow and he got split.

"He's had six stitches, so not a great start to the week for him, but hopefully it gets better."

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Former Ireland and Munster back Andrew Conway had "hard conversations" with Joe Schmidt when making the switch from Leinster to Munster.

The 34-year-old, whose career ended in 2023 because of a knee injury, had made 42 appearances for his home province at the time when offered a contract with fierce rivals Munster.

Although he had been invited to the Munster Academy as a teenager when leaving Dublin's Blackrock College, Conway at that stage opted to stay at home.

However, speaking to The Ireland Rugby Social podcast, he felt eventually making the switch to Thomond Park in 2013 was the "best decision" he made in his career despite how his then provincial coach Schmidt heard the news.

"I trust my intuition and just felt it was the right thing to do, even though it was the hard thing to do," he said.

"I signed the contract on the Thursday and Joe had rang me an hour after I had signed it, saying 'don't sign anything but come in and talk to me on Saturday'. I didn't have the forethought to say I'd signed so just said 'yeah, grand'.

"On Friday, I went over to London to a football match with a couple of mates and came back the worse for wear on the Saturday. My agent had rang and said Gerry Thornley (of The Irish Times) knew about me signing and it was going into the paper, so Joe would have known.

"I went in and got the head eaten off me, but a few hours later I find out why he was so annoyed - Johnny Sexton had signed for Racing and it was coming out, so my thing was small fish."

In the podcast, Conway talks about his 10 years at Munster where he made 150 appearances for his adopted province.

Knee injuries would hamper his Ireland career as he missed out on two Grand Slams, a winning tour to New Zealand and the 2023 World Cup, something he described as "horrific", but Conway takes a philosophical view of his career.

"I'd love a few more medals and caps, but have a mentality where I don't think about what I didn't achieve or don't have.

"I'm more focused on the positives. Maybe it's a bit idealistic, but it's the truth."

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This week's guest on the Ireland Rugby Social is former Ireland wing Andrew Conway.

The 34-year-old won 30 caps for his country and was part of Joe Schmidt's World Cup squad in 2019.

Conway sits down with former team-mate Conor Murray and BBC Sport NI presenter Gavin Andrews to discuss his career in green as well as his move from Leinster to Munster.

Listen and subscribe to the Ireland Rugby Social now on BBC Sounds.