Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell said he expects three-time Six Nations winner Joe Schmidt to raise Australia from their slump. Former Ireland boss Schmidt was appointed by the Wallabies in January following World Cup humiliation which saw them dumped out at the pool stage in France.

Paul O’Connell believes Joe Schmidt’s time in Ireland still bears a “bit of an influence” on Irish rugby coaches – including himself – to this day. Schmidt returns to Dublin and to the Aviva Stadium as Australia take on Ireland this Saturday in the last of a four-game November slate for the home side.

"Emotion is probably the icing on the cake now, whereas maybe back in my playing day it was the whole cake, we weren't too worried about the icing."

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has rung the changes to his side for the final game of their November series against Ireland on Saturday, with six alterations to the team which lost to Scotland last weekend.

Joe Schmidt has made six changes from the Australia side that lost 27-13 to Scotland for Saturday’s game against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium (3.10pm). Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has recovered from an arm injury to take his place in the centre.

Osborne, Stockdale, Baird and Furlong ruled out but, otherwise, Ireland will look to field a full-strength side for the Wallabies