Cian Healy's career comes full circle ahead of record Test against the Wallabies

Given how significant Australia has been in the ups and downs of Cian Healy's career, it’s quite appropriate that the loosehead prop will put his name into the Irish rugby record books against the Wallabies this afternoon.

When the 37-year-old steps out on to the pitch at Aviva Stadium, it will mark his 134th Test for Ireland, moving him clear of Brian O’Driscoll on Ireland’s all-time list.

Fittingly, it’s Australia who book-end those 134 internationals. Just over 15 years on from making his debut against the Wallabies in a 20-20 draw in November 2009, Healy gets to set an Irish record against the same opposition.

It was also against the Australians that Healy cemented himself as a truly world class loosehead in 2011, when he was named man of the match in Ireland’s 15-6 win in Auckland, famously dumping Quade Cooper onto his backside in the second half and coming up with a late turnover which ultimately iced the game.

Over the course of that 80 minutes, Healy was part of an Irish scrum that went through Australia like an enema, first taking apart Ben Alexander, before James Slipper came on in the second half.

In a neat twist, Slipper starts for the Wallabies this afternoon, albeit at loosehead rather than tighthead, winning his 143rd Wallabies cap.

"The old fella is still going, which is really good to see," Slipper, 35, said of Healy this week.

"He's a good character; he's been around a long time for the Ireland team and is one of those players that's well-respected across the world.

"I'm sure it's going to be a really special night for him and his family. I'll be looking out for him after the game to share a beer for sure."

Earlier this week, Ireland captain Caelan Doris went into the details of what he's seen Healy do to get