The Aviva Stadium opens its doors once again this weekend to host one of rugby’s great rivalries as Ireland line up against Australia on 15th November. Kick-off is at 8:10pm.
This is a fixture that both Irish and Aussie fans relish, and it’s a match that has plenty of recent history. The hosts will be looking to build on their convincing win against Japan, though they will know that this match will be a lot tougher.
For Australia, on the other hand, it will be a real test under Joe Schmidt, who will be hoping to silence the home crowd and deliver a shock win.
Check out the pre-match odds on Ireland vs Australia right here.
Ireland team preview
Ireland head into this contest off the back of a commanding 41-10 win over Japan last weekend. There’s no doubt that their performance reignited confidence within the squad and perhaps gave Andy Farrell plenty to think about in regard to who will start this weekend.
The starting line-up that Farrell selected saw a real blend of experience and fresh faces looking to step up and seize their opportunity.
Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney and captain Caelan Doris anchored the pack, while Craig Casey and Jack Crowley formed an energetic half-back partnership.
Out wide, Jacob Stockdale, Robbie Henshaw, Tom Farrell, Tommy O’Brien and Jamie Osborne were responsible for Ireland’s high score.
However, although the result was a huge success, the major talking point since the match has been Osborne’s shoulder injury sustained in that win. His absence has been confirmed for the clash against Australia, which will inevitably force Farrell to reshuffle his back three, potentially bringing in a new full-back or re-deploying Stockdale or O’Brien in different roles. It’s far from ideal for the hosts, but Ireland’s recent form suggests that they possess enough to seal another victory.
In that victory over Japan, Ireland displayed familiar traits that show why they have been rather successful in recent years. They started fast and some slick handling and high tempo were too strong for Japan. Irish fans will be hoping that another confident display will see them make it two wins on the spin during this tour.
However, it wasn’t all entirely positive. The line-out remains an area of concern, and Ireland can ill afford set-piece misfires against a Wallabies pack that is more than capable of squeezing penalties from those moments.
Yet Ireland can rely on their home form. The Aviva Stadium continues to be a fortress where visiting sides struggle to dictate the rhythm of play. After a testing summer series, Ireland look to be sharper and have the physical balance that made them so formidable in the past two seasons.
Back Ireland to beat Australia here.
Australia team preview
For Australia, this trip to Dublin marks one of the defining moments of their 2025 northern tour. Under Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies are clearly in the midst of a rebuild and looking to see what their squad can achieve going forward.
Blending established internationals with emerging talent is never easy, but it’s the situation Australia find themselves in. Yet their performances have been rather inconsistent. Moments of attacking brilliance have been offset by costly discipline lapses. However, the Schmidt influence is already evident in their tactical organisation and set-piece focus – and this is what still makes them a dangerous opponent.
The Australian pack has improved structurally, though it’s safe to say that the scrum remains vulnerable under pressure. Their attacking systems, built around quicker ruck ball and flat running lines, will look to test Ireland’s defensive alignment.
Australia’s backline still has plenty of flair and pace. Jake Gordon at fly-half offers control and creativity, and his kicking game could prove vital in managing territory. Out wide, Australia have the capacity to hurt teams if they can generate quick balls when Ireland switch off.
Schmidt’s patient approach has certainly encouraged his team to value possession more carefully than they did under their previous head coach.
Still, the biggest challenge for the Wallabies is cohesion and familiarity. This is very much a side still adjusting to new systems. The physicality of the Irish, combined with the travel fatigue of a long tour, will inevitably test them.
However, if they are able to match Ireland’s physicality in the opening 20 minutes or so, they’ll believe that they have a chance to cause an upset.
Head-to-head record
This will be the 39th meeting between Ireland and Australia since their first meeting back in 1927. Australia have 22 wins to their name to Ireland’s 15, and they share just the one draw between them.
However, in recent years, Ireland have started to turn the tide. They managed to defeat the Wallabies 22-19 in Dublin in November last year, a comeback victory that encapsulated their control under pressure.
Ireland and Australia’s rivalry has often been fierce. Australia’s World Cup triumph over Ireland back in 1991 – in Dublin – is often spoken about by both sets of supporters.
The two nations met in 2018 at the Aviva, where Ireland clinched a 2-1 series victory – a real statement of their rise to the world’s elite.
And so, while Australia retain historical superiority, the balance of power has begun to shift in recent years, with Ireland winning the last four encounters.
From a betting perspective, this recent dominance means that Ireland are the favourite, especially at home. However, with Australia’s new faces, it makes them somewhat unpredictable, which should keep it interesting for the neutral tuning in.
Players to watch
For the hosts, it’s clear that Caelan Doris remains Ireland’s heartbeat. The captain leads with authority and is highly respected among the squad. Against Japan, he was immense. Carrying relentlessly and tackling with precision, his influence will be central again in dictating tempo and momentum against the Aussies.
Tom Farrell, who only made his debut recently, is another player to keep an eye on. He brings plenty of direct running to the midfield, complementing Henshaw’s defensive solidity.
Out wide, you’ll find Tommy O’Brien, whose pace and finishing instincts have quickly made him a fan favourite. His try against Japan reinforced his status as Ireland’s next breakthrough back – definitely keep an eye on him on the flanks.
For the visitors, Jake Gordon will be a key figure in determining how effectively the visitors can convert pressure into points. His overall game management has improved significantly under Schmidt’s guidance, and his ability to manipulate defences could unsettle Ireland’s backline if given front-foot ball.
Our expert predictions
Once again, the betting odds bode well for Irish supporters as they are the favourites to make it two quick wins on the bounce. Not only does their home advantage play a significant part, but their recent form of late – and settled squad – are also key factors.
It’s hard to disagree with the bookmakers. Ireland are likely to start fast, aiming to dominate possession and territory early, just as they did against Japan last weekend.
Their plan will be to force the Wallabies into long defensive sequences – and this is where the Irish can pounce. However, they will need to be aware of how Australia will look to line up, likely aiming to counter with physical aggression at the breakdown and quick transitions when chances arise.
For those eyeing the markets looking for a standout bet, the handicap line in favour of Ireland may offer the best value. Ireland at -3.5 looks rather appealing given their control and home form.
In player markets, Tommy O’Brien to score anytime offers intriguing value, particularly with the freedom he’s shown in recent weeks – as well as his frightening pace when carrying the ball.
Ultimately, it’s hard to look past an Irish win – making it five in a row against the Aussies.
Australia do have the talent to disrupt, but they don’t yet have the consistency to sustain 80 minutes of pressure in Dublin. Expect a physical, closely fought contest, but Ireland look stronger and they should win in front of their own supporters.
Therefore, Ireland by a single score feels about right – a result that would maintain their unbeaten home record against Australia in the past decade.
For those looking to place a bet on the match or rugby as a whole, it’s worth keeping an eye on the lines at Tonybet as the week progresses. Good luck if you’re backing the boys in green!
