Hmmm, that’s a team that will take a bit of beating alright.
Former Leinster coach Cheika has made four changes from the side that lost narrowly to France last weekend, with Henry Speight set to make his test debut for the Wallabies on the wing.
Apart from Speight and flanker Luke Jones – who will earn his second test cap – Cheika has named an experienced-looking XV that contains plenty of talent, although the absence of Will Genia and Quade Cooper from the starting XV will probably come as a relief to many Irish fans.
Both Genia and Cooper will be available for selection from the bench if Cheika needs to call on them, as will Kurtley Beale, who could make his first appearance since the now infamous text message scandal that hit Australian rugby earlier this year.
Ireland take on Australia at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday at 4.30pm. ‘Mon Ireland!
Australia team to face Ireland: Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Henry Speight; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; James Slipper, Saia Fainga’a, Sekope Kepu; Sam Carter, Rob Simmons; Luke Jones, Michael Hooper (captain), Ben McCalman.
Replacements: James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale (three to be omitted).
