Ronan named on Irish team for Australia game

Niall Ronan has been selected on the Irish team to face Austriala at Brisbane on Saturday. His call up to the team is another step in a memorable few weeks for the former Meath minor footballer. Ronan had originally been included in the list of stand-by players for Ireland's summer tour. However, when Leinster's Kevin McLaughlin picked up an injury, Ronan got the welcome call to bring his passport and join the rest of the players on the tour. He played against the Barbarians at Thomond Park in a warm up game. The Meath man's inclusion in the team against Australia is one of six changes coach Declan Kidney has made from the side that was comfortably defeated by the All-Blacks at New Plymouth. Ronan didn't get a run out in Ireland's defeat by New Zealand, but he did start against the Maoiris at Rotarua last Saturday. The Irish lost out 28-31 however Ronan was one of Ireland's best players making a big impression with his strong running and good work at the breakdown. The 27-year-old also represented Ireland at u-19 and u-21 levels. Among those who will miss this Saturday's game against Australia is Shane Horgan. Number eight Chris Henry has been handed his first cap for the tourists in the absence of the suspended Jamie Heaslip. Henry makes up a new-look backrow that also includes Ronan and Shane Jennings. In the other change to the pack, prop Tony Buckley comes in for John Hayes. A significant selection made by Kidney is the inclusion of Jonathan Sexton who starts at out-half instead of Ronan O'Gara. Ronan made his senior international debut against Canada last summer and he also played his part in helping Ireland claim the Churchill Cup in Colorado. The game against Australia provides him with a major challenge as he will be facing some of the top players in world rugby. Ronan has recently signed a new contract with Munster.