There were always going to be changes for the Australia game. The Japan game was going to see the younger players given a chance.
It's great to see Mack Hansen back in the side. All of his 27 caps have been on the wing. It's a first opportunity at full-back and I'm really looking forward to seeing him.
Paddy McCarthy is starting up front ahead of Andrew Porter. He's only been involved in 10 games for Leinster. He's up against a really experienced operator in Alan Ala'alatoa, whose brother Michael played for Leinster.
In the back row, I felt that when Caelan Doris was shifted to number 7 that he'd start there this week.
Josh van der Flier has been such an outstanding player in that position but I think Andy (Farrell) is looking for alternatives.
Sam Prendergast is back at 10, which was always going to happen. Jack Crowley, I think, is earmarked to play against South Africa but that will depend on what happens tomorrow.
Not only do we need a win, we need a performance.
I think the fact that Italy beat Australia last week, if anything, puts more pressure on Ireland. South Africa are coming down the line.
I think Ireland will win but they have to lift performance.
The only thing that makes me nervous is one man - and that's Joe Schmidt. We know what he can do. He's an outstanding coach and he'll want to win this one.
Donal Lenihan was speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland.
Watch Ireland v Australia in the Quilter Nations Series on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1
Win tickets to see England V Ireland at Twickenham Stadium next year & MORE...
