Four Ulster Players Named in Ireland Squad for Argentina Clash
Four Ulster Rugby players have been named in Andy Farrell’s Ireland Match Day Squad for Friday night’s Nations Championship clash against Argentina at Aviva Stadium (Kick-off 8.10pm).
Robert Baloucoune, Stuart McCloskey and Nick Timoney are all selected to start, while Tom O’Toole is named among the replacements as Ireland begin their November campaign in Dublin.
Farrell Names Ireland Team For Friday Night Clash With Argentina At Aviva Stadium
Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland Match Day Squad, for Friday night’s Nations Championship Northern Hemisphere Series clash against Argentina at Aviva Stadium (Kick-off 8.10pm).
Captain Dan Sheehan leads Ireland as they get their November campaign underway in Dublin.
Sean Jansen is selected to make his first Test start in green having made his debut during the summer, while Sam Illo is also in line for his home debut at Aviva Stadium off the bench.
Hugo Keenan starts at full-back with Robert Baloucoune and Mack Hansen, who will make his first Ireland appearance in a year, on the wings.
Stuart McCloskey partners Robbie Henshaw in the Ireland midfield, as Craig Casey and Sam Prendergast link up as the half-back pairing.
In the pack, Andrew Porter, captain Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong make up the front row, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.
Ryan Baird is named at blindside flanker, Nick Timoney is at openside and Jansen completes the starting team at number eight.
Farrell has an experienced bench to call upon on Friday night, with Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Illo, James Ryan and Josh van der Flier providing the forward replacements, while Jamison Gibson-Park, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki are the backline options.
Friday’s match is live on ITV.