Key events
Argentina team
Pablo Matera returns to the back row after serving a suspension and he’ll play an important part in the Pumas quest to disrupt Ireland’s ball.
Elsewhere, the electric Santiago Carreras returns after an injury to take his place on the bench.
Guido Petti replaces Franco Molina at lock while there is one backs change as Matias Moroni comes in for Matias Orlando
Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia; Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Matias Moroni, Bautista Delguy; Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Bertranou; Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya (capt), Joel Sclavi; Guido Petti, Pedro Rubiolo; Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Joaquin Oviedo.
Replacements: Ignacio Ruiz, Ignacio Calles, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Franco Molina, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Garcia, Santiago Carreras, Justo Piccardo.
Ireland team
Miraculously, as if he’s defying the laws of nature, Cian Healy is still playing rugby at the elite level.
The 37-year-old prop will equal Brian O’Driscoll’s record for most number of caps in an Irish shirt tonight when he comes off the bench to represent his nation for the 133rd time.
There’s just one change to the team that lost to New Zealand with with Robbie Henshaw’s replacing Bundee Aki – who does not make the squad – in midfield.
On the bench, alongside Healy, prop Thomas Clarkson and the very promising fly-half Sam Prendergast are set to make their debuts.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Jamie Osborne.
Preamble
Daniel Gallan
This weekend’s rugby feast kicks off with the meeting of two camps in different moods.
Ireland were poor, really poor, against New Zealand last week. Their celebrated cohesion was totally absent and they were well beaten at the Aviva, their first defeat on home soil since 2021.
Argentina, however, were outstanding against Italy, clattering the Azzurri with six different players scoring tries in a 50-18 rout.
The Pumas have already claimed big scalps this year having beaten New Zealand in Wellington, South Africa by a point and Australia by a record score. A win here tonight would send a clear message that Felipe Contepomi’s side is a force to be reckoned with.
Ireland simply have to be better and Andy Farrell will expect a statement. The breakdown will be pivotal. Ireland’s approach requires fast ball but the Pumas are the masters at disrupting. This is where the game will be won or lost.
Please do get in touch via email with any thoughts you might have. I’d love to hear from you.
Kick-off at 8:10 pm. Teams and other updates to follow.
