Ireland vs Australia Tips - Wallabies to threaten Ireland in Dublin test

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 29 Nov 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 29 Nov 2024

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Ireland are favorites with a strong home record
Australia's recent performances suggest they can challenge expectations
Ireland recently bounced back with wins against Argentina and Fiji

Expired

Australia can challenge in Dublin (Getty Images)

Ireland vs Australia Tips

Ireland are clear favourites at home but Australia have shown plenty of quality on this northern hemisphere too. The 14.5-point handicap does seem a bit steep and I'm backing the Wallabies to stay within it.

Ireland vs Australia Tips
Head to Head
Ireland Form
Ireland Team News
Australia Form
Australia Team News

Ireland have won 5 of their last 6 matches against Australia.
Ireland have won 21 of their last 22 home matches.
Australia have lost 6 of their last 9 matches.
Australia lost by 14 points to Scotland in their last match.

Head to Head

Ireland have won five of their last six matches against Australia. The last three games have all gone in Ireland’s favour but each game has been decided by five or less points. These two last met in 2022, a game Ireland won 13-10 at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland Form

Ireland will be looking to end their international season with a good win over Australia on Saturday. The world No.3 ranked side have not been at their fluent best over the last few weeks.

After winning the Six Nations earlier this year, Ireland were impressive with their 1-1 series draw in South Africa in July. Unfortunately, they began the Autumn Nations Cup with a 23-13 home defeat to New Zealand – their first home loss in 20 games.

In the subsequent two weeks, Ireland have gotten back to winning ways, defeating Argentina 22-19 and Fiji 52-17 last weekend. The victory over Los Pumas was hardly convincing while a much-changed outfit were too good for Fiji.

Ireland Team News

Ireland have stuck with Sam Predergast at flyhalf ahead of Jack Crowley. Bundee Aki returns to the no.12 jersey.

Australia Form

Australian rugby is on a recovery trend and despite some poor results this year, there has been clear improvement under Joe Schmidt. Finishing bottom of the Rugby Championship was however a low for the Aussies squad.

The Wallabies arrived in Europe with many wondering whether they could even win a game on their Grand Slam tour. That thought was dispelled in the first week as the Aussies beat England 42-37 in a dramatic game at Twickenham.

It was followed by a comprehensive win over Wales before the Wallabies fell 27-13 to Scotland last weekend. The Scots were too good on the day, dominating many aspects of the game, particularly the set piece.

Australia Team News

Jeremy Williams starts at lock after missing last week’s match due to illness. Japes Slipper and Taniela Tupou start in the front-row. Max Jorgensen starts on the wing after an impressive outing last weekend off the bench.