IRELAND'S LUCKY 7

Doris aims to mimic Parrott

- BY DEREK FOLEY

IRISH sport is ALL about the No.7 jersey this week.

Troy Parrott, wearing that number, has been celebrated for scoring twice against Portugal at Aviva Stadium on Thursday night.

Tonight, Ireland rugby captain Caelan Doris will switch to wear No.7 on his back as part of a new Irish tactical plan against Australia.

The strategy sees Andy Farrell looking to bring more height and weight to the lineup with Jack Conan taking on the No.8 role and Ryan Baird freed to play at six.

It comes at the cost of losing Josh van der Flier, 32, who was both the European Club Player of the Year and the World Player of the Year in 2022.

"It's not too different, no," said skipper Doris of the switch from the back to the side of the scrum.

"I obviously moved to No.7 for the last 20-25 minutes of the game with Japan last weekend and, whether I'm No.8 or No.7, I try and cause a bit of chaos in the back of the breakdown anyway.