Mack Hansen returns as Ireland head coach Andy Farrell rings changes for Australia clash in Quilter Nations Series

Ireland have recalled Mack Hansen at full-back for Saturday's autumn international against Australia at the Aviva Stadium. Head coach Andy Farrell has also named Sam Prendergast at fly-half ahead of Jack Crowley, with the 22-year-old one of nine changes from the side who overcame Japan last weekend. Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named a reshaped side for Saturday's Quilter Nations Series match against Australia at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, with Mack Hansen making a return at full-back.

The 27-year-old, who had been expected to miss the entire autumn series after sustaining a foot injury in Connacht’s United Rugby Championship defeat to the Bulls last month, was called into the squad earlier this week.

Now fully fit, Hansen will start in the No. 15 jersey - his first time doing so for Ireland - as Farrell reshuffles his line-up for the visit of the Wallabies.

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Hansen’s recall comes amid an injury crisis in the backline, with both Jamie Osborne and Hugo Keenan ruled out. Osborne was forced off with a shoulder problem against Japan, while Keenan remains sidelined.

Though new to the role at Test level, Hansen has featured at full-back in each of his last four appearances for Connacht and impressed during the British and Irish Lions' tour this summer.

Farrell has also handed Sam Prendergast a start at fly-half ahead of Munster’s Jack Crowley. The 22-year-old Leinster playmaker, who will earn his 12th cap this weekend, will mark exactly one year since his Ireland debut against Argentina.

Centre Stuart McCloskey returns from a groin injury to partner Robbie Henshaw in midfield, while James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park are restored to the starting XV. Up front, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, and Jack Conan come into the pack, with captain Caelan Doris shifting from No. 8 to openside flanker.

Prop Paddy McCarthy has been handed his first Test start following his debut against the All Blacks and try-scoring cameo against Japan.

In total, Farrell has made nine changes from the side who overcame Japan in convincing fashion last week. Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier remain unavailable due to hamstring strains, despite participating in some training sessions.

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Ireland enter the contest having won seven of their last nine Tests against Australia, and Farrell expects another tight, physical encounter.

"There's great respect and familiarity between Ireland and Australia, and Saturday is the latest renewal in a series of matches which have been pretty evenly balanced over the last number of years," said Farrell.

"There has been a good buzz around training this week, and the players are excited about the challenge that awaits.

"For us it's about putting in an 80-plus minute performance and to try and implement our gameplan in front of what we know will be a vocal home support."

Ireland will look to continue their strong recent record against the Wallabies, but with a reshuffled lineup and several key players missing, Saturday’s contest promises to be an important test of Farrell's squad depth and adaptability - with South Africa still to visit the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland team to play Australia

Ireland: M Hansen, T O'Brien, R Henshaw, S McCloskey, J Lowe; S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; P McCarthy, D Sheehan, T Furlong ; J Ryan, T Beirne; R Baird, C Doris (captain), J Conan.

Replacements: R Kelleher, A Porter, T Clarkson, C Prendergast, N Timoney, C Casey, J Crowley, B Aki.

Ireland's remaining Quilter Nations fixtures

Saturday November 15

Ireland v Australia - Aviva Stadium (8.10pm)

Saturday November 22

Ireland v South Africa - Aviva Stadium (5.40pm)

Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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