Ireland team: ‘Legend of the game’ to equal Brian O’Driscoll’s record as Andy Farrell selects two uncapped players for Argentina clash

Adam Kyriacou 13 Nov 2024 2:40 PM

Cian Healy is set to equal Brian O'Driscoll's appearance record while Robbie Henshaw comes in for Bundee Aki.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made one change to his starting team that will take on Argentina at a sold-out Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday night.

That tweak comes in the midfield where Bundee Aki drops out for Robbie Henshaw, who links up with Leinster teammate Garry Ringrose in a solid combination.

Farrell has picked two uncapped players in his 23 as Leinster pair Thomas Clarkson (prop) and Sam Prendergast (fly-half) are named on the replacements bench.

Cian Healy milestone

Meanwhile, veteran prop Cian Healy is set to claim his 133rd Test cap, moving him level with Brian O’Driscoll at the summit of Ireland‘s all-time appearance list.

Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Mack Hansen start in an unchanged back three while Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley yet again form the half-back pairing.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Finlay Bealham make up an unchanged front-row trio, with Joe McCarthy and James Ryan in the engine room.

Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris complete the starting team that will face an Argentina side full of confidence after their win in Italy.

Andy Farrell lays out expectations as Ireland aim to ‘get back on the horse’ against Argentina

Loosehead prop Healy, who made his Ireland debut against Australia in November 2009, is poised for a milestone appearance off the bench, joining Rob Herring, the uncapped Clarkson, Ryan Baird and Peter O’Mahony as the forward reinforcements available to Farrell. Backs Craig Casey and Jamie Osborne complete the squad.

“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,” said Farrell.

“For Tom and Sam, their promotion to the match day squad for the first time is testament to their form, talent and application over the last number of weeks and we congratulate them on their selection.

“For Cian (Healy), on the other end of the career spectrum, it will be an incredible moment for him, his family and friends to reach Brian O’Driscoll‘s 133-cap landmark. We’ll pay tribute to Cian again, but he is a legend of the game in Ireland and his influence amongst his team-mates, past and present, transcends his many successes on the field. It promises to be a special night.”

Ireland team to face Argentina

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Peter O’Mahony, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Jamie Osborne

Date: Friday, November 15
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans (WRU), Angus Mabey (NZR)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)