3 months ago
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James O’Connor has been recalled to the Wallabies starting lineup, after being left out of the previous three Tests against Japan, England and Italy.
O’Connor played every Test of the Rugby Championship and subsequently moved to play for Leicester, where he is playing under former Wallabies assistant coach Geoff Parling.
James O’Connor is back to the steer the Wallabies ship Credit: Getty Images
O’Connor has started his last two games for his club and his ability to unlock the Wallabies backline will be desperately needed against a motivated Ireland team, who have been criticised by local media for sluggish performances in their previous two Tests against Japan and New Zealand.
O’Connor has been working closely with rookie playmaker Tane Edmed in training in Dublin, and the Brumbies five-eighth is selected on the bench for his second successive Test.
Former Gold Coast Titans player Carter Gordon started in the defeat against Italy in Udine, but a quad strain limited his ability to kick the ball off the tee and out of hand, with Andrew Kellaway stepping up to take conversions and halfback Jake Gordon in charge of restarts.
Wallabies star centre Len Ikitau is restored to the starting lineup to partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, having travelled to Italy with the squad and not played in the defeat in Udine.
Max Jorgensen also returns to the starting lineup at fullback after being rested for the Italy defeat. Jorgensen started in the defeat to England on the wing and, according to World Rugby statistics, only carried the ball once in London. Harry Potter and Filipo Daugunu will start for the Wallabies on the wing.
Prop Taniela Tupou drops out of the match day squad, having started against England and Italy. Tupou is replaced in the starting lineup by Allan Alaalatoa, with Zane Nonggorr named on the bench.
Tom Hooper switches to the second row after starting against Italy as a breakaway, with Nick Frost dropping to the bench. Rob Valetini, Fraser McReiight and captain Harry Wilson will all start in the back row.
Carlo Tizzano has fully recovered from a knee injury suffered in the win against Japan and will take his place on the bench for his first Test of the Spring tour.
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Due to torrential rain overnight in Dublin, the Wallabies moved from their regular training base of Wanderers rugby club to Blackrock College on Thursday morning. The school produced 11 British and Irish Lions, including former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll.
Across Dublin city, Ireland coach Andy Farrell will start Sam Prendergast at five-eighth ahead of Jack Crowley, who has started the previous three Tests. Last year in November against the Wallabies, Crowley replaced Prendergast to inspire a win for Ireland.
Ireland are without two regular fullbacks in Hugo Keenan and Jamie Osborne due to injury, with Canberra-born Mack Hansen starting in their place, in a switch from his normal position on the wing. Although Hansen has played fullback for his club Connacht in the position, it will be his first Test start in the number 15 jersey for Ireland.
More to come.
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