Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has successfully recovered and is set to feature in Australia's final Test of their British Isles tour, aiming to conclude his journey with a memorable performance against Ireland. Coach Joe Schmidt, eager to defeat the team he once led to success for six years, has prepared a final surprise selection, ready to introduce replacement fly-half Tane Edmed as the Wallabies' 19th debutant of 2024.
Taniela Tupou has overcome his calf issue and will join veteran James Slipper in propping the scrum, while Fraser McReight returns after being rested against Scotland. Tupou and Slipper will provide solid support, with hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa starting in place of the injured Matt Faessler. Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams form the second row, having recovered from illness, with Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa expected to be impactful off the bench.
Initially doubtful for the match due to an arm injury sustained against Scotland, Suaalii has recovered and is keen to make his mark in his fourth tour match. Noah Lolesio remains the primary five-eighth but had a subpar performance against Scotland, opening the door for Edmed to shadow him. If Edmed debuts, he will extend the remarkable number of Wallaby debutants in 2024, following Harry Potter's selection against Scotland.
Schmidt emphasized the significance of the match, noting the 150th anniversary of Irish Rugby and the opportunity to challenge a cohesive Ireland team. Ireland has retained Sam Prendergast at fly-half, offering him another chance to impress after a standout performance against Fiji. Coach Andy Farrell has reinstated five players and placed Jack Crowley among the replacements, recognizing Prendergast's potential.
Cian Healy returns as a replacement, poised to surpass Brian O'Driscoll's record as Ireland's most capped player. Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, and Jamison Gibson-Park return to the backline, while Ronan Kelleher and James Ryan bolster the forwards. Ireland, the Six Nations champions, aim to maintain their momentum after recent victories over Argentina and Fiji.
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