Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made five changes to his side that lost to the All Blacks in their first Autumn Nations Series clash ahead of Friday’s match against Argentina.
Headlining the changes is highly touted flyhalf Sam Prendergast who replaces his Leinster teammate Ciaran Frawley who had a tough outing against the New Zealanders.
Joining Prendergast on the bench is fellow debutant Thomas Clarkson who replaces Tom O’Toole as the replacement tighthead prop behind Finlay Bealham with Tadhg Furlong still unavailable through injury.
Amongst the veterans, iconic loosehead prop Cian Healy is set to equal Brian O’Driscoll as the most capped Irish international of all time when he earns his 133rd cap.
Elsewhere, Robbie Henshaw returns at inside centre for his 75th cap in place of Bundee Aki who drops out of the match day 23.
In the forward pack, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, and Finlay Bealham start in the front row, supported by locks Joe McCarthy and James Ryan. The back row includes Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, and captain Caelan Doris, rounding out the starting lineup.
Healy, who made his debut against Australia in November 2009, is joined on the bench by Rob Herring, Clarkson, Ryan Baird, and Peter O’Mahony as forward substitutes.
Craig Casey and Jamie Osborne complete the Match Day Squad as backline reinforcements for Friday’s game against the Pumas.
Looking ahead, Farrell remarked, “The focus in training has been sharp, and the team is eager to return to winning form in front of an energized home crowd. Friday will be a memorable night at Aviva Stadium, especially for Cian (Healy), who stands on the brink of a remarkable milestone. Cian’s influence on Irish rugby is immense—he’s a true legend, and his impact on his teammates, past and present, goes far beyond his on-field achievements. It’s set to be a special evening.”
Our line up to face Argentina at Aviva Stadium! 🟢#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 13, 2024
¡Nuestros 23 para el viernes en Dublín! 🏉
👉 Ventana de noviembre
📆 Viernes 15/11
🆚 Irlanda 🇮🇪
⏰ 17:10 hs (ARG) / 20:10 hs (IR)
🏟️ Aviva Stadium (Dublín)
📺 ESPN#SomosLosPumas pic.twitter.com/fbhmOLguPa
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) November 13, 2024
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