Andy Farrell has made five changes to the Ireland starting XV from the Six Nations finale win against Scotland for Saturday’s opening Nations Championship clash against Australia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney (kick-off 8.10pm local time/11.10am Irish time). The one positional switch, though, is perhaps most eye-catching, with Jamie Osborne preferred on the left wing in the absence of the discarded James Lowe.Osborne was an ever-present in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign at fullback but with Hugo Keenan fit, fresh and “buzzing” to be back in a green jersey for the first time in 16 months, the versatile 24-year-old from Kildare is named on the left wing. This is also because Farrell has opted to stick with the Stuart McCloskey-Garry Ringrose midfield partnership which started every game in the Six Nations, despite McCloskey not having played in 10 weeks since tearing his hamstring in the latter stages of Ulster’s Challenge Cup semi-final win over Exeter. In addition to Keenan’s recall, as expected Sam Prendergast returns at outhalf in the enforced absence of the unlucky Jack Crowley. Sam’s brother, Cian Prendergast, also starts after his very strong end to the season with Connacht. James Ryan is also restored to the secondrow after missing the final Six Nations game against Scotland due to a calf injury. With Caelan Doris at home rehabbing a foot injury, Jack Conan is promoted to number 8.The younger Prendergast – Sam – was displaced at outhalf for the last three rounds of the Six Nations, also losing his place in the matchday squad for both country and province. But he has shown strong mental resilience in regaining the 10 jersey for Leinster’s successful knockout run in retaining their URC title, notably with a man-of-the-match performance in the final which reminded everyone of his talent.Sam Prendergast (left) training with the Ireland squad in Sydney ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship opener against Australia. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho