Ireland have been dealt a blow ahead of the final two rounds of the November internationals, with versatile back Jamie Osborne ruled out after suffering a shoulder injury in Saturday’s win over Japan.
The 23-year-old Leinster star started at fullback in Dublin, having also featured in the defeat to New Zealand in Chicago a week earlier, but was forced off in the second half of Ireland’s 41-10 victory.
Osborne had been deputising for regular No 15 Hugo Keenan, who is still on the road to recovery, leaving coach Andy Farrell with another selection headache ahead of Tests against Australia and world champions South Africa.
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Ireland will face the Wallabies on Saturday before wrapping up their campaign against the Springboks the following weekend.
There are further injury concerns in the camp, with centre Garry Ringrose and flanker Josh van der Flier both nursing minor hamstring strains. The pair will be assessed during the week.
There was some good news, though, as wing Mack Hansen has rejoined the squad after recovering from a foot problem, while powerful centre Stuart McCloskey – who missed the Japan clash with a groin strain – is expected to train fully this week.
Meanwhile, Australia arrive in Dublin looking to snap a two-Test losing streak after being stunned 26-19 by Italy and falling 25-7 to England at Twickenham the previous week.
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