New Zealand rugby union scrum-half for the Hurricanes
Ireland has beaten Australia before and aims to start the Nations Championship strongly with matches against Japan and New Zealand on the horizon. Joe Schmidt bows out to Les Kiss with Australia eyeing a home World Cup in 2027 as Andy Farrell seeks a return victory in Sydney.
France winger Damian Penaud has been ruled out of the Nations Championship matches this month due to a calf injury sustained in the opening defeat to New Zealand. He will miss games against Australia and Japan as France confirms his withdrawal from the squad.