| Venue: Aviva Stadium in Dublin Date: Saturday, 19 November Kick-off: 20:00 GMT |
| Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and BBC Sounds. Live text commentary and match reports on the BBC Sport website. |
Johnny Sexton said that he is fit to play in the Autumn Test against Australia on Saturday.
Ireland’s captain suffered a fatal injury in the victory over South Africa, 5 November. He was not eligible for last weekend’s match against Fiji.
It’s great to go. It feels good and it’s ready,” said the Ireland flyhalf, 37.
Ireland’s number ten resources are seriously depleted by Joey Carbery who began against Fiji and Ciaran Fawley, both of whom were ruled out.
Carbery will not be able to play in Saturday’s match after suffering a head injury during last weekend’s contest. Frawley will miss a few months due to knee surgery on Tuesday.
Sexton’s Leinster teammate Ross Byrne was called in as cover Tuesday, with Munster’s Jack Crowley being the other fly-half option for Andy Farrell after he made his debut against Fiji.
Despite his declining years, Sexton remains the orchestrator for Ireland and his availability is welcomed news for the world’s highest-ranked team. They face an Australia who will be smarter after last weekend’s shocking defeat in Italy.
The captain of Ireland acknowledged that he was concerned about missing the contest this weekend.
“A little. Sexton stated that last week was difficult due to swelling and fluid.
“It was all about managing that and making sure that I get the right amount training this week so that I can perform, but not too much that it swells it back up.”