Michael Cheika welcomes back big guns for Ireland Test

Israel Folau and Michael Hooper both return to starting XV for clash at the Aviva Stadium

Ireland and Leinster star Sean O'Brien looks forward to the physical challenge of facing Australia and their dominant back row

Michael Cheika has welcomed back some of his big guns for Australia's clash against Ireland on Saturday.

The Wallabies won a pulsating encounter against France last weekend, escaping the Stade de France with a 25-23 victory.

And the former Leinster boss has made eight changes to the side which started in Paris, with Israel Folau one of those coming back into the fold.

Also returning at the Aviva Stadium are backrow menace Michael Hooper, who is reunited with his partner-in-crime David Pocock.

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Stephen Moore returns to captain the side from hooker and he leads an experienced pack as Australia pursue a historic November Grand Slam.

In the backline the exciting if raw Reece Hodge returns in midfield, where he will be partnered by Tevita Kuridrani.

Ashley Quade Cooper has been named on a nine-strong replacements bench, with Cheika to cut one player before Saturday’s Test.

Australia: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Reece Hodge, Henry Speight, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu, Rory Arnold, Rob Simmons, Dean Mumm, Michael Hooper, David Pocock. Replacements: Tolu Latu, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Kane Douglas, Lopeti Timani, Sean McMahon, Nick Phipps, Quade Cooper, Sefanaia Naivalu.