Johnny Sexton returns to much-changed Ireland side as Joe Schmidt seeks to level series against Australia

Johnny Sexton 
Johnny Sexton takes over from Joey Carbery for the second Test against Australia Credit:  Sportsfile

Johnny Sexton has returned to Ireland's starting line-up after Joe Schmidt overhauled his team in a bid to stay in contention against Australia.

Sexton was a key component in Ireland's Grand Slam success earlier this year but was benched for the first Test in Brisbane.

Beaten 18-9 last weekend, Ireland must win in Melbourne on Saturday to keep their three-match series victory hopes alive.

In an effort to make that happen Schmidt has made eight alterations to his team, which Ireland announced on Thursday. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, meanwhile, will field an unchanged line-up.

Returning to Ireland's starting XV alongside fly-half Sexton are Tadhg Furlong and Cian Healy, while Joey Carbery drops...

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