Henry Speight
Wing Henry Speight will finally make his Test debut for Australia, against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
His inclusion is one of four changes to the Wallabies’ starting line-up, following their three-point loss to France last weekend.
The 26-year-old Speight will be the third player to make his debut for Australia on the team’s European tour, joining Sean McMahon and Tetera Faulkner.
In the three other changes, lock Sam Carter, back row forward Luke Jones and centre Matt Toomua will join a starting XV that has 488 games of Test experience.
rugby365
Australia started their tour with a 40-36 victory over the Barbarians at Twickenham in Michael Cheika’s debut as coach, then beat Wales 33-28 at Cardiff before losing 29-26 to France last Saturday.
The Wallabies end their tour next weekend against England.
Jones has earned his first run-on opportunity for the Wallabies in just his second match at Test level, following his debut against France in Melbourne in June, while Carter and Toomua will both earn their 10th cap for the Wallabies in 2014.
An extended bench has been selected, with the final line-up to be confirmed and announced closer to the match.
“Henry has done all the right things to earn his selection, has had an outstanding Super Rugby season and deserves his opportunity to play for Australia,” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said.
“He is very passionate about representing Australia and we’re all looking forward to seeing him bring his best attributes to our game.
“The other changes have been made to give the other players who have been knocking on the door an opportunity to start a Test match on this tour.
“All our changes will bring a new energy into the team and I know everyone is looking forward to the opportunities our match against Ireland will bring.”
Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Michael Hooper (Captain), 6 Luke Jones, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper
Replacements – from: James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale.
Date: Saturday 22 November
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-Off: 18:30 SA Time, (16:30 BST & GMT, 03:30 Sunday AEST)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)