Mack Hansen returns from injury as Ireland make nine changes for Australia clash

Thu, 13 Nov, 2025 - 14:22

Michael Bolton

Mack Hansen has been named to start at fullback for Ireland against Australia as Andy Farrell makes nine changes to the team that defeated Japan.

Hansen comes in for the injured Jamie Osbrone, while Sam Prendergast starts at fly-half ahead of Jack Crowley.

It will be the first time Hansen will play fullback for Ireland, as Farrell has gone for the Connacht man ahead of Jacob Stockdale and Jimmy O'Brien.

Stuart McCloskey returns at inside centre, where Robbie Henshaw partners him.

Paddy McCarthy makes his first start for Ireland, where he is partnered in the front row by Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.

Caelan Doris captains the side at blindside flanker, with Jack Conan at eight and Ryan Baird completing the back row.

Cian Prendergast and Nick Timoney have been named among the replacements after their performances against Japan.

Kick-off at the Aviva Stadium is at 8:10pm, with live covergae on RTÉ Two and TNT Sports.

Ireland team to face Australia:

15 M Hansen (Connacht)

14 T O’Brien (Leinster)

13 R Henshaw (Leinster)

12 S McCloskey (Ulster)

11 J Lowe (Leinster)

10 S Prendergast (Leinster)

9 Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)

1 P McCarthy (Leinster)

2 D Sheehan (Leinster)

3 T Furlong (Leinster)

4 J Ryan (Leinster)

5 T Beirne (Munster)

6 R Baird (Leinster)

7 Caelan Doris (Leinster)

8 J Conan (Leinster)

Replacements: 16 R Kelleher (Leinster), 17 A Porter (Leinster), 18 T Clarkson (Leinster), 19 C Prendergast (Connacht), 20 N Timoney (Ulster), 21 C Casey (Munster), 22 J Crowley (Munster), 23 B Aki (Connacht).