Ireland v Australia: Stockdale, Furlong, Baird & Osborne injured
Jacob Stockdale, Tadhg Furlong, Ryan Baird and Jamie Osborne have been ruled out of Ireland’s final autumn international against Australia on Saturday.
Ulster winger Stockdale (hamstring) and Leinster defender Osborne (kidnapper) were forced off in Saturday’s win over Fiji.
Speaking about Osborne’s injury, Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell said: “He’s a huge loss. Obviously he’s very versatile off the bench, he’s played in a lot of different positions and he’s growing and changing all the time. Better.”
“It’s a shame he’s out. Hopefully it’s not too serious and he’ll be back with us soon.”
Leinster lock Ryan Baird missed the match against Fiji with a head injury, while prop Tadge Furlong has missed the entire autumn with a hamstring problem.
O’Connell also confirmed that Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Nick Timoney (Ulster) and Jack Boyle (Leinster) have returned to their respective positions ahead of the return of the United Rugby Championship this weekend club.
After bouncing back from defeat by the All Blacks with wins over Argentina and Fiji, Ireland face Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium at 15:10 GMT on Saturday.
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