Ireland vs Australia Prediction: Irish to add to Wallabies’ woes

Having suffered a shock defeat in Italy, things won’t get any easier for Australia on Saturday night (20:10 GMT, TNT Sports 1) when they take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in the Autumn Nations Series.

Below are my Ireland vs Australia predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the encounter in Dublin.

Team News

Ireland go with Paddy McCarthy, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong in the front row, with locks James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in behind.

Ryan Baird, skipper Caelan Doris and Jack Conan complete the pack, while it’s the combination of Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast who start in the half-backs.

Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw start in the centres, with James Lowe, Tommy O’Brien and Mack Hansen in the back three.

As for the Wallabies, head coach Joe Schmidt has gone with Angus Bell, Matt Faessler and Allan Alaalatoa in an experienced front row.

Jeremy Williams and Tom Hooper pair up in the second row, with Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson in the back row.

Jake Gordon and James O’Connor start in the half-backs, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the centres.

Harry Potter, Filipo Daugunu and Max Jorgensen form the back three for the tourists.

Ireland vs Australia Odds

Ireland are the unsurprising favourites at 2/7 to win on Saturday, while Australia are the 3/1 underdogs.

A draw at the Aviva Stadium is currently 25/1, while Australia to win the first half is available at 23/10.

Australia +11 handicap @ 5/6

Suffering a shock 26-19 defeat against Italy, the Wallabies compounded their 25-7 loss to England with another setback in Udine.

Two defeats from two in this Autumn Nations Series, Australia have been unable to replicate the form that saw them go toe-to-toe with the British & Irish Lions over the summer.

Schmidt will be demanding a response this weekend, and Australia have the weapons in the backline, especially in Suaalii and Jorgensen, to cause Ireland problems.

The Irish disappointed in their 26-13 defeat to New Zealand at the start of the month and followed that up with a 41-10 regulation win over Japan.

Ireland have the quality and the home advantage to add to Australia’s woes, but don’t expect this to be a one-sided affair.

The Wallabies have caused upsets out of the blue in the recent past, and while they might fall short on the day, the visitors with a +11 handicap appeals.

Dan Sheehan anytime tryscorer @ 5/4

Looking at the anytime tryscorer market, Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan is backed to add to his collection against the Wallabies.

The Leinster front-rower scored in each of the first two Tests against Australia for the British & Irish Lions over the summer and is good value to continue that tryscoring trend at the Aviva Stadium.

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