The Australian rugby team, the Wallabies, is set to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday night (local time), with significant player returns enhancing their lineup. Len Ikitau, the 2025 John Eales Medallist, will rejoin the team, reigniting his successful partnership with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the centres. The duo has played together in 12 of the last 16 Tests for the Wallabies, bringing valuable experience to the midfield.
In a notable return, James O’Connor will don the number 10 jersey as flyhalf, marking his first Test in the northern hemisphere since 2021. He will pair with Jake Gordon, captain of the NSW Waratahs, who is again selected as scrumhalf. The backline will also feature Max Jorgensen at fullback and Filipo Daugunu on the wing, complementing Harry Potter in the back three.
The forward pack sees Allan Alaalatoa return to the starting XV, joining hooker Matt Faessler and Angus Bell in the front row. In a tactical reshuffle, Tom Hooper moves to lock, while Rob Valetini starts as blindside flanker. Hooper will partner with Jeremy Williams in the second row, supported by openside flanker Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson, who completes the loose forward trio.
The bench will include Tom Robertson as a substitute loosehead prop, alongside Billy Pollard and Zane Nonggorr as replacement front rowers. Lock Nick Frost shifts to an impact role off the bench, while Carlo Tizzano provides cover for the back row. Ryan Lonergan continues to gain international experience as the substitute scrumhalf, and Tane Edmed returns as the replacement playmaker, revisiting the venue of his Test debut last year. The versatile Andrew Kellaway will wear the number 23 jersey, allowing him to cover multiple positions across the backline.
Head coach Joe Schmidt commented on the challenging schedule, stating, “It’s been a tough schedule but we’ve tried to embrace that this week and tried to freshen up at the same time. It’s another opportunity this Saturday to really challenge ourselves against one of the top teams in the world.”
The Wallabies are coming off a mixed performance this season, with notable matches including a victory against Fiji and close contests against the British & Irish Lions and South Africa. As they prepare to face Ireland, the team aims to build on their experiences and put forth a strong challenge in Dublin.
The match against Ireland is scheduled for 7:10 AM AEDT on Sunday, November 16, 2025, setting the stage for an exciting encounter as the Wallabies look to assert themselves on the world stage once again.
