Joe Schmidt rings the changes from the experimental side that took on Georgia, bringing back the majority of the team that so impressed against South Africa on the opening weekend of the autumn series.

The two change from that team come in the centres, where Gordon D’Arcy replaces the injured Jared Payne, with Robbie Henshaw shifting to the 13 berth, and at hooker where Rory Best returns in place of Sean Cronin.

Ireland team to play Australia:

15. Rob Kearney (Leinster)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ulster)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Connacht)
12. Gordon D’Arcy (Leinster)
11. Simon Zebo (Munster)
10. Jonny Sexton (Racing Metro)
9. Conor Murray (Munster)
1. Jack McGrath (Leinster)
2. Rory Best (Ulster)
3. Mike Ross (Leinster)
4. Devin Toner (Leinster)
5. Paul O’Connell (Munster) (c)
6. Peter O’Mahony (Munster)
7. Rhys Ruddock (Leinster)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster)

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin (Leinster)
17. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster)
18. Rodney Ah You (Connacht)
19. Dave Foley (Munster)
20. Tommy O’Donnell (Munster)
21. Eoin Reddan (Leinster)
22. Ian Madigan (Leinster)
23. Felix Jones (Munster)