James O’Connor will play his first Test in the northern hemisphere in four years after being recalled by Australia to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
The 35-year-old will start at fly-half for the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt, who will coach against the side he led to three Six Nations title as the predecessor to current Irish head coach, Andy Farrell.
Australia have lost five of their last six matches and their two autumn Tests with England and Italy have both ended in defeat.
Leicester Tigers’ O’Connor, who made his first Australia appearance in three years against the British and Irish Lions in July, will partner Jake Gordon at half-back after missing the Wallabies’ three most recent games with Japan, England and Italy.
Len Ikitau returns to join Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre, while Harry Potter retains his place on the wing and will start in the back three alongside Filipo Daugunu and Max Jorgensen.
Ulster-bound prop Angus Bell is named in the front row alongside Matt Faessler and the returning Allan Alaalatoa.
Tom Hooper moves from the back row to lock, as Rob Valetini joins Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson in the pack.
“It’s been a tough schedule but we’ve tried to embrace that this week and tried to freshen up at the same time,” Schmidt said.
“It’s another opportunity this Saturday to really challenge ourselves against one of the top teams in the world.”
Australia: M Jorgensen; F Daugunu; JA Suaalii, L Ikitau; H Potter; J O’Connor, J Gordon; A Bell, M Faessler, A Alaalatoa; J Williams, T Hooper; R Valetini, F McReight, H Wilson (capt)
Replacements: B Pollard, T Robertson, Z Nonggorr, N Frost, C Tizzano, R Lonergan, T Edmed, A Kellaway.
