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Ireland's Johnny Sexton on the bench for first Test against Australia

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Joey Carbery in action against Australia in November 2016
Image: Joey Carbery starts at fly-half for Ireland in Brisbane

Johnny Sexton has been named on the bench for Ireland's first Test against Australia as Joey Carbery gets the nod at fly-half.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has made six changes to the team that beat England at Twickenham to clinch a Six Nations Grand Slam, with Munster-bound Carbery handed the No 10 shirt.

The only other change to the backline for the Suncorp Stadium clash sees Robbie Henshaw replace Garry Ringrose at outside centre, where he resumes his partnership with former Connacht team-mate Bundee Aki.

Ireland's Johnny Sexton during the NatWest Six Nations match against England at Twickenham Stadium on March 17, 2018
Image: Johnny Sexton is named on a strong replacements bench

Ulster's Rob Herring starts at hooker in the absence of the injured Rory Best, with props Jack McGrath and John Ryan completing a new front row.

Peter O'Mahony takes over the captaincy with Jordi Murphy named at openside, while CJ Stander is at No 8.

Ireland's flanker Peter O'Mahony makes a break during the Six Nations international rugby union match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dub
Image: Peter O'Mahony captains Ireland in Rory Best's absence

Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Tadhg Furlong are named on a strong bench that also includes fellow Leinstermen Jack Conan, Sexton and Jordan Larmour.

Ireland are chasing their first series win over the Wallabies in Australia since 1979. The hosts have named two debutants in their starting XV.

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Live International Rugby Union

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Conor Murray; 1 Jack McGrath, 2 Rob Herring, 3 John Ryan, 4 James Ryan, 5 Iain Henderson, 6 Peter O'Mahony (c), 7 Jordi Murphy, 8 CJ Stander.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Johnny Sexton, 23 Jordan Larmour.

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