DUBLIN (AP) — Cian Healy is set to move level with Brian O’Driscoll atop Ireland’s all-time rugby appearance list after being named among the replacements for the test match against Argentina on Friday.
If the prop comes off the bench, it will be the 37-year-old Healy’s 133rd match for Ireland following his debut against Australia in 2009.
“It will be an incredible moment for him, his family and friends to reach Brian O’Driscoll’s 133-cap landmark,” coach Andy Farrell said. “We’ll pay tribute to Cian again, but he is a legend of the game in Ireland and his influence amongst his teammates, past and present, transcends his many successes on the field.”
Uncapped pair Thomas Clarkson and Sam Prendergast were named on the bench for Ireland, which lost to New Zealand last week to start its autumn campaign.
Argentina recalled flanker Pablo Matera after he was suspended for last week’s 50-18 win over Italy.
Lock Guido Petti and Matias Moroni also came into the team for the Pumas, who are fifth in the world rankings.
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Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (captain), Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter. Reserves: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Jamie Osborne.
Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia, Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Matias Moroni, Bautista Delguy, Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Bertranou; Joaquin Oviedo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Pablo Matera, Pedro Rubiolo, Guido Petti, Joel Sclavi, Julian Montoya (captain), Thomas Gallo. Reserves: Ignacio Ruiz, Ignacio Calles, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Franco Molina, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Garcia, Santiago Carreras, Justo Piccardo.
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