Ireland v Australia
Payne ruled out of Australia clash
ESPN Staff
November 18, 2014
Jared Payne is tackled by Bismarck du Plessis and Francois Houggard on his Ireland debut v South Africa © Getty Images
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Ireland centre Jared Payne has returned to his province Ulster after being ruled out of Saturday's autumn international against Australia in Dublin.

New Zealand-born Payne picked up a foot injury during his international debut against South Africa earlier in the month and missed last weekend's win over Georgia as a result. He's not expected to be sidelined for long but has returned to Belfast for treatment.

Payne struck a fine rapport with Connacht's Robbie Henshaw against South Africa but it is now likely that 80-cap veteran Gordon D'Arcy will continue after making a comeback against Georgia. Stuart Olding and Darren Cave are also options for Joe Schmidt in the centres.

Leinster lock Mike McCarthy has also returned to his province after suffering concussion against Georgia and will not be considered to face Australia but Rory Best is back in contention after missing both games with a calf injury. it was revealed on Monday that flanker Chris Henry would be out of action for some time due to a blocked blood vessel in his brain.

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