Kearney, Stander fit for Australia

Ireland have made four changes for the final November series international versus Australia this Saturday.

Paddy Jackson comes in at out-half for Jonathan Sexton who limped off with a hamstring problem in the 22-9 defeat to New Zealand last Saturday.

Garry Ringrose wins his third cap as he replaces Robbie Henshaw who was stretchered off with concussion after receiving a heavy, high tackle.

Keith Earls replaces Simon Zebo on the wing with the Munster player suffering cramp after the bruising clash with the All Blacks while Iain Henderson comes in for Donnacha Ryan in the second row.

Rob Kearney and CJ Stander have both been passed fit to play while in-form captain Rory Best will win his 100th cap on Saturday.

"Rob trained for the first time today and we just trained him away quietly because that’s how you train them back," coach Joe Schmidt said.

"He’s still got another 48 hours to really build himself into this weekend’s match, same with CJ Stander.

"Simon Zebo was very sore after the [New Zealand] game.

"He’s taken two or three days and trained today but probably didn’t train flat out, he’s still got another 48 hours to recover and we’re hoping he’ll be 100% by Saturday.

"With that little bit of lingering doubt, Keith Earls brings a freshness to the group and hopefully that will add a bit of vitality.

"Also Keith’s roundly experienced and gives us a bit of midfield cover should we need so that versatility is not too bad to have."

Schmidt was also effusive in his praise for Ringrose.

"His selection is a reflection of his performance last week," he continued. "I thought Gary stepped in and did incredibly well.

"He managed to get himself up in the top three tacklers in the game which is a fair reflection of the game.

"He also slipped a couple of tackles and he got one line break and almost got another couple.

"It’s another opportunity to invest in Gary.

"We’ve obviously had him in camp for the last year-and-a-half at different times and he’s been a bit of a long-term investment and we want to take this opportunity to develop him a little bit further."

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Andrew Trimble, Garry Ringrose, Jared Payne, Keith Earls, Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best (capt), Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Iain Henderson, CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carbery, Simon Zebo.

Photo - ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

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