Ireland team to play Argentina: Autumn Nations Series
Yesterday at 09:33 AM
Head coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland team to play Argentina as the Six Nations champions look to bounce back from their defeat against New Zealand.
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Leinster duo Thomas Clarkson and Sam Prendergast have made the replacements bench, promising an exciting debut for the pair. Meanwhile, veteran prop Cian Healy is on the brink of a major achievement, poised to win his 133rd cap and match Brian O'Driscoll at the top of Ireland's all-time appearance list.
Keenan, Lowe, and Hansen Hold Steady
The Ireland back three remains unchanged, with Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, and Mack Hansen set to start once again. In midfield, Robbie Henshaw will celebrate his 75th cap alongside Garry Ringrose. Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley continue their partnership at half-back, bringing consistency to the Irish attack.
A Pack With Power
Up front, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, and Finlay Bealham lead the unchanged front row, with Joe McCarthy and James Ryan providing power in the second row. The back row sees Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, and captain Caelan Doris rounding out a formidable forward unit.
Cian Healy: A Historic Milestone
Cian Healy's inclusion on the bench is one for the history books. Since his debut against Australia in November 2009, Healy has been a pillar of strength for Ireland. If he takes the field, he'll join an elite club alongside the great Brian O’Driscoll. Rob Herring, Clarkson, Ryan Baird, and Peter O'Mahony are also on standby as forward replacements.
Clarkson’s Big Break
Thomas Clarkson has turned heads in training. Originally a training panellist, he impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a spot in the matchday squad. The former Ireland U20 star is ready to step up under Farrell's watchful eye.
Prendergast's Shot at Glory
Out-half Sam Prendergast, who was part of the Summer Tour squad to South Africa and Ireland's Emerging Tour, is also in line for his first cap. His development has been eagerly followed, and now he gets a chance to shine on the international stage.
Casey and Osborne in the Mix
Craig Casey and Jamie Osborne complete the bench for the clash against Argentina. As Farrell preps his side for the Pumas' visit to Dublin, he spoke with optimism: "There has been a sharp focus in training this week and the squad are determined to get back to winning ways in front of a vocal home crowd. Friday will be a special night at Aviva Stadium for more reasons than one."
Ireland team to play Argentina:
15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)(40)
14. Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(22)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(61)
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(74)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(34)
10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(17)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(36)
1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(67)
2. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(34)
3. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(43)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(13)
5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(65)
6. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(53)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(65)
8. Caelan Doris (St Mary's College/Leinster)(44)(captain)
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(41)
17. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)(132)
18. Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster)*
19. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(22)
20. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)(108)
21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(15)
22. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
23. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(3)
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