Ireland v Wallabies: Five storylines to follow as Sam Prendergast backed while Andy Farrell and Joe Schmidt have Lions audition
Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell face off in the Ireland v Australia fixture.
Ahead of the final game of the Autumn Nations Series that pits Ireland against the Wallabies, we pick out five storylines to follow in Saturday’s Aviva Stadium clash.
Play it again, Sam
The main talking point from Ireland‘s team announcement on Thursday was the bold inclusion of Sam Prendergast in the fly-half shirt as he kept his spot in the starting XV.
It was expected that Jack Crowley would come back into the number 10 jersey after resting for the Fiji game, but it seems Andy Farrell wants another look at Prendergast.
It is an interesting call from Ireland’s head coach but one that hasn’t surprised legend Ronan O’Gara, with Ireland clearly seeing something in the young Leinster playmaker.
Having a strong two options in the 10 jersey is surely a no-brainer for Ireland moving forward as the heir to Johnny Sexton does not have to be just one man, so this is surely a positive for Irish supporters, with Prendergast showing glimpses of his talent against Fiji and has clearly impressed during training over November, warranting his two starts.
Pivotal game for both teams
Due to some rather indifferent showings in the Autumn Nations Series it’s fair to say that Saturday’s result is make or break for both outfits in terms of successful years.
Ireland’s opening defeat to the All Blacks put them immediately on the back foot and they almost lost again to Argentina before a knock-on spared them back-to-back losses on home soil. A 52-17 victory over Fiji was much more pleasing on the eye for Irish fans and they look to be finding their feet after a sluggish start to the end-of-year campaign.
That could spell trouble for the Wallabies who appear to be tracking in the opposite direction following their recent negative to Scotland. Before that they opened their November account with impressive triumphs against England and Wales so this is a must-win as they look to classify 2024 as a positive debut season for Joe Schmidt.
Farrell v Schmidt
Leading on from this is the fascinating subplot of the British & Irish Lions series hanging over Saturday’s Test as Farrell will of course go on to lead the tourists.
While next year’s series has been played down ahead of this week’s fixture, there will be plenty to dissect in Dublin as the coaching styles and personnel of both sides could become ever so familiar in eight months’ time. It’s also a chance for players to seal Lions and Wallabies spots as opportunities to impress the coaches reduce by the day.
Wallabies prop reinforcements
While there’s box office talent on show in the backline, the battle up front has moved up an extra gear following the team announcements on Thursday afternoon, this after the Wallabies confirmed the returns of prop duo James Slipper and Taniela Tupou, who slot into the starting side after both missed the disappointing Scotland loss at Murrayfield.
That means the impressive Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa, who have toiled away in November, are on bench duty and will look to impact the game in the second period.
It’s a solid quartet for Schmidt to call upon and all four need big games if Australia are to cause an upset, with Ireland also boasting talent in their front-row and on the bench that includes last week’s outstanding debutant, hooker Gus McCarthy, who keeps a place in the matchday squad after starring with ball in hand against the Fijians.
Cian Healy out on his own
Staying in the front-row and what a day it will be for loosehead prop Cian Healy as he moves out on his own as Ireland’s all-time appearance holder on 134 Test matches.
Last weekend’s clash with Fiji saw the veteran go level with the great Brian O’Driscoll, but on Saturday the 37-year-old takes the honour just for himself in a remarkable achievement, especially considering the position he plays and how the game has evolved over the years. Hats off to Healy for reaching this incredible landmark.
