Kidney names strongest side to face Aussies

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made four changes to the side that beat the USA 22-10 in their opening Group C match ahead of Saturday's clash with Australia.

Eoin Reddan, Rob Kearney, Cian Healy and European player of the year Sean O'Brien all return for the match in Auckland which should decide who wins a group that also contains Italy, USA and Russia.

Apart from the absence of David Wallace, who was ruled out of the World Cup with a knee problem, Kidney has named his strongest side to face the Wallabies.

"The players coming back will bring freshness to the team," said Kidney. "If you play the same team it becomes difficult for everybody.

"They're raring to go and that brings its own impetus into the team. That's what you need."

Sean Cronin replaces Jerry Flannery on the bench.