Ireland have named a revamped lineup for their Nations Championship clash against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night, with Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, and Sean Jansen earning starting spots. The match marks Ireland's first home game since James Lowe's departure from Irish rugby, and head coach Andy Farrell has made several bold selections.
Back Row Reshuffle
With captain Caelan Doris and two-tour British and Irish Lion Jack Conan sidelined by injury, Connacht's Sean Jansen was always the likely candidate to fill the number eight role. The 27-year-old made a try-scoring debut against Japan in July and impressed as a replacement against the All Blacks a week later. However, the inclusions of Casey and Timoney were less predictable.
Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, arguably Ireland's standout performer in recent seasons, has been named on the bench. The 34-year-old missed the start of Leinster's season with a groin injury but returned in the win over Munster on 24 October. With just one game under his belt, Farrell has opted for Casey to partner fly-half Sam Prendergast, who has recovered from a wrist injury.
Ulster back row Timoney, 31, has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot despite strong provincial form. His selection against Argentina will be his ninth consecutive Test, though seven of those have come from the bench. He replaces former World Rugby Player of the Year Josh van der Flier, who is among the replacements.
Returning Stars
Garry Ringrose is ruled out with a hamstring problem, so the experienced Robbie Henshaw shifts to outside centre to form a midfield partnership with Stuart McCloskey. Wing Mack Hansen, prop Andrew Porter, and Ryan Baird all start after missing both the Six Nations and summer fixtures through injury. Hansen takes the number 11 jersey, with Robert Baloucoune keeping his spot on the right wing and Hugo Keenan at full-back. Baird joins Timoney and Jansen in the back row at blind-side flanker.
Porter's return at loose-head is a significant boost for Farrell, who has seen the position plagued by injuries in recent windows. He packs down alongside hooker Dan Sheehan, who captains the side in Doris' absence, and tight-head Tadhg Furlong. Furlong is free to play after being cleared by a disciplinary committee of grabbing Gavin Coombes in the groin last month.
Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy are the starting locks, meaning James Ryan must settle for a place on the bench alongside Van der Flier and Gibson-Park. Sam Illo, who will make his home debut if called upon, Ronan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole, Ciaran Frawley, and Bundee Aki are the other replacements.
Argentina Changes
Argentina boss Felipe Contepomi has made 12 changes from the side that drew 28-28 with Australia in September as Los Pumas seek a first away win over Ireland. Toulouse full-back Juan Cruz Mallia returns for his first cap since November 2025 after injury. The visitors will be captained by Julian Montoya, with Pablo Matera and Marcos Kremer forming a formidable back row.
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM and will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster, the BBC Sport website, and app.
