Farrell names both Prendergast brothers to start Ireland's Nations Championship opener against Wallabies

Andy Farrell has named Sam and Cian Prendergast in the same starting lineup as Ireland prepare to face Australia in Sydney in their inaugural Nations Championship Test.

Cian Prendergast earns a start at blindside flank despite making just one appearance in that role during the Six Nations, slotting into a back-row alongside Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan. Nick Timoney is named among the replacements to provide loose-forward cover. The second-row pairing of Joe McCarthy and James Ryan retains its place, with the more experienced Tadhg Beirne beginning the match on the bench.

In the front row, captain Dan Sheehan is flanked by Tom O’Toole and Tadhg Furlong, with Rónan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman and Thomas Clarkson set to provide impact from the replacements.

Behind the scrum, Sam Prendergast partners Jamison Gibson-Park at half-back, feeding a midfield of Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose. Jamie Osborne and Rob Baloucoune start on the wings, while Hugo Keenan — returning to Australia for the first time since his British and Irish Lions tour last year — starts at fullback. Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki complete the replacement backs.

Ireland face a Wallabies side with significant motivation of their own. Australia are 15 months away from hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup and will be eager to build momentum after a winless northern-hemisphere tour at the end of 2025.

Ireland XV to face Australia:

1. Hugo Keenan, 14. Rob Baloucoune, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Jamie Osborne, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park, 1. Tom O’Toole, 2. Dan Sheehan (capt), 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. James Ryan, 6. Cian Prendergast, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Jack Conan.

Replacements: 16. Rónan Kelleher, 17. Jeremy Loughman, 18. Thomas Clarkson, 19. Tadhg Beirne, 20. Nick Timoney, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ciaran Frawley, 23. Bundee Aki.