The National Times - Campbell back after four years in Wallabies team to face Ireland

Australia meet Andy Farrell's men in Sydney on Saturday to kick off their Nations Championship campaign with Carter Gordon and Ryan Lonergan given the nod in the crucial playmaker roles.

Gordon was preferred at No.10 to Ben Donaldson -- Schmidt's third different flyhalf in as many Tests.

He has never played a game with scrum-half Lonergan, who starts for the first time courtesy of a long-term injury to incumbent Jake Gordon and with Tate McDermott on the bench.

Campbell will win his fifth Wallabies cap at fullback in his first appearance since the 2022 win against Wales in Cardiff after a strong season for Queensland Reds.

He forms a back-three partnership with wings Max Jorgensen and Dylan Pietsch while Exeter's Len Ikitau returns in the centres to partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

Veteran prop James Slipper, who has been coaxed out of retirement, is on the bench with Josh Nasser, Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.

Queensland Reds' Josh Canham was handed a first start in the second row alongside Jeremy Williams, with Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson filling out the back row.

"The group has reconnected quickly and we've worked hard over the past week to prepare as best we can for what is an exciting challenge against the number three team in world rugby," said Schmidt, who will hand over the coaching reins to Les Kiss later this month.

Australia (15-1):

Jock Campbell; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch; Carter Gordon, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams; Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, Angus Bell

Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Lachie Shaw, Tom Hooper, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Tom Wright

D.S.Robertson--TNT