(Reuters) -Australia coach Joe Schmidt is considering recalls for centre Len Ikitau and fly-half James O'Connor for next weekend's clash with Ireland as he called on fans not to "lose faith" in his team after Saturday's 26-19 loss against Italy.

The pair could return as injuries to fly-half Carter Gordon and prop Angus Bell forced them to be replaced during the game in Udine as a demanding schedule starts to take a toll.