McCloskey keeps Ireland place for Australia clash

McCloskey won his eighth Ireland cap in the win over Fiji

Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey has retained his place in the Ireland team for Saturday evening's match against Australia in Dublin.

Irish captain Johnny Sexton returns, as expected, after missing last weekend's victory over Fiji with a dead leg.

Jimmy O'Brien is named on the wing following strong performances in the wins over South Africa and the Fijians.

O'Brien switches to the left wing after playing at full-back against Fiji and at centre when he replaced McCloskey early on against world champions South Africa.

Former Australia Under-20 Mack Hansen will play on the right wing as he faces the country of his birth for the first time after switching allegiance from Australia to Ireland.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made seven changes in total to the starting XV that defeated Fiji 35-17 at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday.

Hugo Keenan takes over at full-back with Andrew Porter and Dan Sheehan named in the front-row alongside last week's captain Tadhg Furlong.

James Ryan returns to the second row and there are two changes in the back row, with Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony coming back in and Caelan Doris switching to number eight.

Ireland: Keenan, Hansen, Ringrose, McCloskey, O'Brien, Sexton, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Beirne, Ryan, O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Herring, Healy, Bealham, McCarthy, Conan. Casey, Crowley, Aki.

Australia: Kellaway, Nawaqanitawase, Ikitau, Paisami, Wright, Foley, White; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Neville, Holloway, Hooper, Valetini.

Replacements: Fainga'a, Robertson, Tupou, Skelton, Samu, Gordon, Lolesio, Petaia.

More to follow.