Ireland: Robbie Henshaw and Joey Carbery ruled out of Australia clash through injury

Colin Newboult

2KEGMT8 Robbie Henshaw of Ireland during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and Fiji at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on November 12, 2022 (Photo by Andrew SURMA/ SIPA USA).

Robbie Henshaw has suffered yet another injury setback after being ruled out of Ireland’s final Autumn Nations Series clash against Australia.

The centre pulled out of the country’s opener against South Africa due to a hamstring issue but returned for the Fiji encounter.

Henshaw suffered a recurrence of that hamstring problem in Saturday’s game, however, and will miss the match with the Wallabies.

Carbery out but Sexton potentially available

Joey Carbery is another player that will be absent for this weekend’s contest after suffering a head injury following a high tackle from Albert Tuisue.

He will undergo return to play protocols and will not be ready in time for Ireland’s game at the Aviva Stadium.

Head coach Andy Farrell is expected to name a side similar to the one that took on South Africa just over a week ago.

That means the players who suffered knocks in that clash, which includes Johnny Sexton, Josh van der Flier and Hugo Keenan, are expected to be available.

Meanwhile, Bundee Aki will also be up for selection after completing his eight-week ban following a red card in September.

Impressive form

Ireland are looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Autumn Nations Series when they take on Australia.

They defeated the world champion Springboks 19-16 in their opener before overcoming Fiji 35-17 a week later.

Although Farrell was not happy with their performance against the Pacific Islanders, they named a much-changed line-up.

Ireland’s wider squad ahead of Australia match

Forwards: Dave Heffernan, Rob Herring, Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Jeremy Loughman, Andrew Porter, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Tom O’Toole, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Max Deegan, Caelan Doris, Peter O’Mahony, Cian Prendergast, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier

Backs: Robert Baloucoune, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Michael Lowry, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Jacob Stockdale, Bundee Aki, Stuart McCloskey, Garry Ringrose, Jack Crowley Johnny Sexton; Caolin Blade, Craig Casey, Jamison Gibson-Park

READ MORE: Andy Farrell ‘not worried’ despite ‘awful’ display against Fiji