Sam Prendergast starts at fly-half for Ireland against Australia, Jock Campbell returns for Wallabies in Nations Championship opener
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has recalled Sam Prendergast at fly-half for Saturday’s Nations Championship opener in Sydney, while Joe Schmidt has handed a first Test since 2022 to fullback Jock Campbell as both teams confirmed their line-ups.
Ireland's line-up
Sam Prendergast returns to the Ireland fly-half role after losing the jersey to Jack Crowley during the Six Nations. Crowley is sidelined with injury, and Farrell said Prendergast had "once again earned the right" after guiding Leinster to the United Rugby Championship title. The 23‑year‑old reunites with Leinster teammate Jamison Gibson‑Park at half‑back.
Jamie Osborne is named on the left wing for only the second time, with James Lowe no longer in contention. Hugo Keenan regains the full‑back slot, while Stuart McCloskey partners Garry Ringrose in the centres. Up front, Dan Sheehan captains the side from hooker with Caelan Doris out. Jack Conan packs down at No.8, and Cian Prendergast joins Josh van der Flier in the back row. Tom O’Toole continues at loosehead prop.
He's once again earned the right to [wear the jersey].
He's a bloody good rugby player in whatever position he's playing.
Australia's selection
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has recalled fullback Jock Campbell for his first Test since late 2022, pairing him with wingers Max Jorgensen and Dylan Pietsch. Ryan Lonergan makes his first start at scrum‑half, linking with Carter Gordon at 10. Josh Canham wins his first Test start in the second row, while 23‑year‑old lock Lachlan Shaw is poised to debut from the bench. Veteran prop James Slipper returns from international retirement as a replacement. Harry Wilson captains the side.
Coaches' views
Schmidt, who coached Ireland when they staged a famous come‑from‑behind win in Sydney in 2018, expects a charged atmosphere. "I know that County Coogee and County Bondi are going to be there in full," he said. Farrell, meanwhile, believes the Wallabies will view the Nations Championship as "a clean slate and a chance to keep pushing forward now" as both teams build towards the World Cup.
I know that County Coogee and County Bondi are going to be there in full.
Match context
The match is the opening round of the inaugural Nations Championship. Ireland arrive on a five‑Test winning streak against Australia, including a 46‑19 victory last November. It is also the first of Schmidt’s final three games in charge before Les Kiss takes over on 20 July. A sold‑out Allianz Stadium hosts a contest that pits the world’s number‑three ranked side against a Wallabies outfit eager to atone for last year’s winless northern tour.
