Ireland have been dealt a setback ahead of their matches against the Wallabies and Springboks.
Versatile back Jamie Osborne has been 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 the All Blacks 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.
Ireland will face the Wallabies on Saturday before wrapping up their campaign against the Springboks the following weekend.
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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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Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
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