- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Leinster prop Cian Healy is set to make his Ireland debut after being named Wednesday in the Six Nations’ champions side to play Australia at Croke Park here on Sunday.
Healy, 22, has been given his chance at loosehead prop with Marcus Horan set to be sidelined until the New Year through injury.
But Healy will have Jerry Flannery alongside him in the front row after the Munster hooker overcame a calf problem.
Ireland’s front-row is completed by experienced tighthead John Hayes, selected by coach Declan Kidney despite not having played for five weeks following a suspension for stamping.
Ulster’s Paddy Wallace has been chosen ahead of Gordon D’Arcy at inside centre while there are two uncapped players on the bench in Connacht hooker Sean Cronin and Leinster outside-half Jonathan Sexton.
There are only two changes to the side that clinched the Six Nations grand slam with a 17-15 win over Wales in March with Healy replacing Horan and Wallace replacing D’Arcy.
Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll is set to make his 100th Test appearance this weekend, having won 93 caps for his country and six for the British and Irish Lions.
Although Ireland have won just eight of their 27 Tests against Australia, the Wallabies have lost twice on their past three visits to Dublin.
Australia, who began their quest to match the 1984 Wallabies by completing a grand slam of wins over the Home Unions with an 18-9 victory against England at Twickenham last weekend, are due to name their side later Wednesday.
The Wallabies are set to be captained by Rocky Elsom, a Leinster team-mate of O’Driscoll’s when the Irish province won the European Cup last season.
IRELAND SQUAD
Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Brian O’Driscoll (capt), Paddy Wallace, Luke Fitzgerald; Ronan O’Gara, Tomas O’Leary, Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Stephen Ferris; Paul O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan; John Hayes, Jerry Flannery, Cian HealyReplacements: Sean Cronin, Tom Court, Leo Cullen, Denis Leamy, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Keith Earls
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.