Ireland fight back to beat stubborn Australia

Ireland spoiled Joe Schmidt’s return to Dublin to end their Autumn Nations Series campaign on a high as Andy Farrell signed off for his British & Irish Lions sabbatical by scoring a psychological blow against Australia ahead of next summer’s three-Test series Down Under. It was an uplifting end to this four-game set at Aviva Stadium that had begun with a below-par defeat to New Zealand and gradually improved through victories over Argentina and Fiji.

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Joe Schmidt set to be named Australia head coach

Joe Schmidt is set to replace Eddie Jones as head coach of Australia with an official announcement expected in the coming days. Schmidt’s appointment will raise the tantalising prospect of a blockbuster summer 2025 when the British and Irish Lions, coached by his former Ireland mentee Andy Farrell, tour the country.

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