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Ikitau and O'Connor return as Wallabies make changes for Ireland / Photo: © AFP
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Ikitau and O'Connor return as Wallabies make changes for Ireland
Len Ikitau and James O'Connor have both been recalled to Australia's back-line as the Wallabies look to revive their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
The duo missed both the 25-7 loss to England at Twickenham on November 1 and the 26-19 defeat to Italy in Udine last weekend.
The England match took place outside of World Rugby's designated window for international fixtures and the pair were not released for that by their English Prem clubs, Bristol and Leicester respectively.
But coach Joe Schmidt, a former Ireland boss, has included centre Ikitau and fly-half O'Connor in his starting side for Saturday's encounter at Lansdowne Road.
Schmidt, whose side have lost five of their last six Tests, has also brought back 21-year-old full-back Max Jorgensen and wing Filipo Daugunu to join Harry Potter in the back three.
Experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa returns to the starting 15, joining hooker Matt Faessler and Angus Bell in the front row.
In a further change to the pack, Tom Hooper moves to lock with Rob Valetini starting at blindside flanker.
Hooper will partner Jeremy Williams in the second row, while openside flanker Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson complete the loose forward trio.
"It's been a tough schedule but we've tried to embrace that this week and tried to freshen up at the same time," said Schmidt after announcing his side on Thursday.
"It's another opportunity this Saturday to really challenge ourselves against one of the top teams in the world."
Australia (15-1)
Max Jorgensen; Filipo Daugunu Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; James O'Connor, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Tom Hooper, Jeremy Williams; Allan Alaalatoa, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Zane Nonggorr, Nick Frost, Carlo Tizzano, Ryan Lonergan, Tane Edmed, Andrew Kellaway
Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)
V.Mitchell--SFF
