Australia and Ireland renew their rivalry as familiar foes meet again in Sydney.
Ireland thrashed Australia in the pair’s last meeting in Dublin in November and will be seeking a strong start with games against Japan and New Zealand to come.
For Andy Farrell, this game marks a return Down Under 12 months on from masterminding a British and Irish Lions series win over the Wallabies, and another chance to get one over his former boss as Joe Schmidt prepares to say goodbye to Australia.
Schmidt, who spent six years in charge of Ireland earlier in his career, is preparing to hand over to Les Kiss later in the year. There is a crucial period ahead as Australia gear up for a home World Cup in 2027 and a success here at a sold-out Allianz Stadium would be a significant boost ahead of the tournament.
Australia vs Ireland LIVE
- Australia host Ireland in Sydney | Live on ITV with kick off at 11.10am BST
- Fixture serves as part of new Nations Championship
- Andy Farrell’s side also take on Japan and New Zealand this July
- TEAM NEWS: Sam Prendergast starts at fly half
One last dance
10:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was a slight surprise to see James Slipper answer the Wallabies’ SOS, with the prop seemingly content with his career after announcing his retirement at the end of last year’s Rugby Championship. But cap No 152 will arrive today, with potentially more to follow, as the old front row warrior laces them up again to serve his country.
He’s been some player, really – it’s more than 16 years now since his international debut against England. Remarkable. Two more caps would take him past Sam Whitelock as the second highest Test tally of all time.
Back on familiar territory
10:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
10 of the Ireland starting XV featured at some stage on the British and Irish Lions tour last year, with another four Lions on the bench back on familiar territory. Much of Andy Farrell’s coaching staff and backroom team made the trip, too – I believe they are staying in the same hotel in central Sydney as used last year. Happy memories? Of course, the Lions failed to win the third Test in the city, but the series was already secure.
Team news – Ireland
10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sam Prendergast is backed at No 10 by Andy Farrell in the absence of the injured Jack Crowley. Dan Sheehan skippers the Irish side with Caelan Doris another significant figure unavailable, while Jamie Osborne showcases his versatility as he starts on the wing. On the other is Jimmy O’Brien, called in late after injury to Rob Baloucoune.
Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne and Bundee Aki ensure there is plenty of experience on the bench with Nick Timoney looking to build on a strong Six Nations.
Ireland XV: 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; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 Jamie Osborne, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Jimmy O’Brien; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Tadhg Beirne, 20 Nick Timoney; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Bundee Aki.
Team news – Australia
10:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia hand a first international appearance in nearly four years to full-back Jock Campbell, stationed in a back three that also includes Max Jorgensen and Dylan Pietsch. Josh Canham partners Jeremy Williams in the second row with Lachlan Shaw primed for a debut off the bench.
Also among the replacements is James Slipper, out of retirement and set to earn his 152nd cap after loosehead injury issues.
Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Josh Nasser, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Jeremy Williams, 5 Josh Canham, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Ryan Lonergan, 10 Carter Gordon; 11 Dylan Pietsch, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Jock Campbell.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lachlan Shaw, 20 Tom Hooper; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Tom Wright.
Good news for Australia?
10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Wallabies are far from the only sporting story in Australia this week, with a decisive State of Origin clash to come in Brisbane on Wednesday, their female cricketers batting England for T20 World Cup success at Lord’s tomorrow and the Socceroos reaching the knockouts of the Fifa World Cup in North America. It’s good news, then, that a sellout crowd is settling in to Sydney’s Allianz Stadium – the ground is due to host five games at next year’s Rugby World Cup as one of two venues in the city.
Joe Schmidt says goodbye
09:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland have Joe Schmidt to thank, of course, for their head coach, with the Kiwi luring Farrell across the Irish Sea after England’s early World Cup exit from the 2015 World Cup. Schmidt has done a solid steadying job over the last couple of years in Australia but is preparing to bid farewell to the Wallabies, with Les Kiss – another ex-Ireland assistant – ready to take the reins and lead them into a home World Cup next year.
A new contract for Andy Farrell
09:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is Andy Farrell’s first game with Ireland since putting pen to paper on a new deal that will see him stay through to the 2031 World Cup. With significant interest elsewhere, it’s a good bit of business from the IRFU to tie the head coach down:
What is the Nations Championship? Rugby’s new-look north vs south competition
09:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Designed to add context to the July and November international windows, rugby’s new Nations Championship is a significant development for the sport. Here is everything you need to know:
Australia’s Nations Championship schedule
09:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 4 July: Australia vs Ireland (11.10am BST, Sydney)
Saturday 11 July: Australia vs France (11.10am BST, Brisbane)
Saturday 18 July: Australia vs Italy (11.10am BST, Perth)
Ireland’s Nations Championship schedule
09:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 4 July: Australia vs Ireland (10.45am BST, Sydney)
Saturday 11 July: Japan vs Ireland (11.10am BST, Newcastle, Australia)
Saturday 18 July: New Zealand vs Ireland (8.10am BST, Auckland)
Dan Sheehan ready after answering captaincy call
08:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Dan Sheehan admitted getting the call to captain Ireland in their upcoming Nations Championship series “didn’t faze” him.
The 27-year-old hooker will skipper the team on their three-match tour – which starts against Australia today – after Caelan Doris was ruled out with a foot injury.
Sheehan revealed the call came during celebrations in the days after Leinster’s 36-7 United Rugby Championship final triumph over Pretoria Bulls last month.
He told reporters: “It hasn’t been too daunting. I remember getting the call on day two of celebrations of the URC and it didn’t faze me at all. I was sort of more just disappointed for Caelan at the time.
“We have a great group of leaders already in this squad so I think it’s just a good chance for me to develop my own personal skills but also get a grip of the squad in a full month on tour, which has been nice.
“I think the prep has been good, I’ve enjoyed the build-up to it, I think everyone’s raring to go. Nice Saturday evening kick-off, hopefully a lot of Irish in town. A lot to be excited for.”
Sam Prendergast gets fly half nod in Ireland team for Nations Championship clash with Australia
08:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland coach Andy Farrell has backed Sam Prendergast to shine in Sydney after installing the young playmaker at No 10 for the clash with Australia rugby.
after two rounds of the Six Nations with Jack Crowley preferred and orchestrating a turnaround in the side’s fortunes.
But with the Munster fly half absent for the , Prendergast has been recalled to partner Leinster teammate Jamison Gibson-Park in the halves.
Australia vs Ireland
Friday 3 July 2026 15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Familiar foes will clash again as Australia and Ireland meet in Sydney. For Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt, this game against his former assistant Andy Farrell marks the start of a farewell tour before he hands over the reins to Les Kiss ahead of a home World Cup – can the hosts secure a significant success to kickstart the road to 2027?
Kick off is at 11.10am BST.
