Johnny Sexton was ruled out of Ireland's clash with Australia less than 20 minutes before kick-off.
The Leinster star and Ireland captain was set to start at number ten at the Aviva Stadium, but Irish Rugby announced at 7.43pm that he would miss the game through injury.
Jack Crowley starts at out-half instead, with Ross Byrne promoted to the bench.
READ MORE: Ireland v Australia live updates
It is understood Sexton felt an injury in the warm-up and had to withdraw from the team at the last minute.
Elsewhere in the team, vice-captain James Ryan, prop Andrew Porter, flanker Josh Van Der Flier and full-back Hugo Keenan have all been recalled after overcoming fitness issues.
Hooker Dan Sheehan, flanker Peter O’Mahony and centre Garry Ringrose are the other players restored following last weekend’s 35-17 win over Fiji.
Uncapped Leinster lock Joe McCarthy could make his debut from the bench.
Stuart McCloskey will partner Ringrose in midfield after retaining his spot at inside centre ahead of Bundee Aki, who has to be content with a place among the replacements following suspension.
Leinster back Jimmy O’Brien has been preferred to Robert Baloucoune and shifts to the left wing after starting at full-back last Saturday.
Canberra-born Mack Hansen switches flanks as direct replacement for Baloucoune on the right and will line up against his native country seeking to score a try for the third successive game.
Tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong, lock Tadhg Beirne, back-rower Caelan Doris and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park have also been retained.
Doris will revert to number eight with O’Mahony in at blindside.
Ireland are bidding to equal a national record of 12 successive home wins by signing off a stellar 2022 by securing a ninth victory from 11 Tests.
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