Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has restored his heavy hitters to the starting 15 for Ireland’s final November series game, against Australia on Saturday.

He has made 13 changes from the side that defeated Georgia 49-7 last Sunday, with only Simon Zebo and Mike Ross retaining their places.

Rory Best during squad training this morning

Picture: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

Rory Best makes his first start of the campaign at hooker, favoured over Sean Cronin who is named among the replacements. Richardt Strauss has been left out of the matchday squad.

Robbie Henshaw, at 12 for Ireland’s win over South Africa, starts on Saturday at 13 and is partnered by Gordon D’Arcy. Jared Payne was unavailable for selection; he was released to Ulster to continue rehabilitation of the foot injury picked up in the victory over the Springboks.

Robbie Henshaw during squad training this morning

Picture: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

Paul O’Connell returns as captain and will play alongside Devin Toner as Ireland look to make it three wins from three in the November series.

Munster’s Dave Foley was rewarded for last weekend’s Man of the Match performance with a place on the bench, and Ian Madigan is also there after solid kicking in the win over Georgia.

Ireland team: 15. Rob Kearney, 14. Tommy Bowe, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 12. Gordon D'Arcy, 11. Simon Zebo, 10. Johnny Sexton, 9. Conor Murray; 8. Jamie Heaslip, 7. Rhys Ruddock, 6. Peter O'Mahony, 5. Paul O'Connell - capt, 4. Devin Toner, 3. Mike Ross, 2. Rory Best, 1. Jack McGrath

Replacements: 16. Sean Cronin, 17. Dave Kilcoyne, 18. Rodney Ah You, 19. Dave Foley, 20. Tommy O'Donnell, 21. Eoin Reddan, 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Felix Jones

The game between Ireland and Australia is in the Aviva on Saturday November 22, kick-off at 4.30pm. Reporter Shaun Cronin will be covering the game live for us on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat.