Ireland dealt injury blow as quartet out while Wallabies provide update on Joseph Suaalii
Tadhg Furlong will miss Ireland's Autumn Nations Series clash with the Wallabies.
Ireland have been dealt an injury setback ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clash against the Wallabies, with Tadhg Furlong one of four players ruled out.
The prop, who has missed all of his team’s end-of-year campaign, will be absent due to a hamstring injury, with Finlay Bealham once again set to start at tighthead.
Furlong is joined on the sidelines for this weekend’s game at the Aviva Stadium by versatile back Jamie Osborne, wing Jacob Stockdale and lock/flanker Ryan Baird.
Four-game month
Ireland come into the clash with Australia after defeating Fiji 52-17, this after edging Argentina 22-19 and opening the month with a 23-13 defeat to the All Blacks.
The big victory over the islanders was costly in that both Osborne and Stockdale suffered injuries while Baird was injured against Argentina the previous weekend.
It’s expected that several of Ireland’s heavy hitters will return to action in Dublin this Saturday, with a largely rotated side having taken on the Fijians last time out.
Ireland v Australia: Andy Farrell’s verdict on facing up to old mentor Joe Schmidt
That means likely starting spots for Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Garry Ringrose, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Ryan, who missed last week’s game.
In other squad news, Dave Heffernan, Nick Timoney, Jack Boyle and Alex Kendellen have been released back to Connacht, Ulster, Leinster and Munster respectively.
Their opponents on Saturday, the Wallabies, have received positive news ahead of the game as star centre Joseph Suaalii could be available to feature at the Aviva.
Suaalii update
Suaalii was withdrawn from the Test against Scotland last Sunday after making a big tackle on Sione Tuipulotu in the first half, which ended the Australian’s match.
The Wallabies would suffer their first loss of their Autumn Nations Series campaign in that clash with the Scots, as they had previously seen off England and Wales.
Saturday’s showdown with Australia also provides the fascinating subplot of former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt squaring off against his successor, Andy Farrell.
