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We’ve a few surprises in the Ireland 23 we want to see vs Argentina

Published 12:02 23 Oct 2026 BST

Updated 12:02 23 Oct 2026 BST

Colman Stanley
We’ve a few surprises in the Ireland 23 we want to see vs Argentina

Homerugby

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A strong side!

Ireland take on Argentina on November 6 (kick-off: 8.10pm), in the opener of their November Nations Championship games.

Here is the 23 we would like to see take the field.

Front row

Ireland need momentum, not just for this series, but in general; given their underperformances over the last year.

For that matter, we'd like to see Ireland go full strength up front, as the road to the World Cup begins in earnest.

We also see Tadhg Furlong's best role as an impact sub.

Starting: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tom Clarkson

Bench: Tom O'Toole, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong

Second row

Unfortunately, Edwin Edogbo has not been fit enough to be a realistic selection for the 36-man squad.

Thus, the usual trio will take spots in the 23, although the ever-impressive Darragh Murray is good backup if needed.

Starting: Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy

Bench: James Ryan

Back row

Sean Jansen looks likely to get a deserved start in the absence of Caelan Doris and Jack Conan.

The return of Ryan Baird could be game-changing for Ireland, if he can rediscover his pre-injury form.

Nick Timoney or Cian Prendergast looked primed for a bench spot, but for real ball-carrying impact, James McNabney is your man.

Selection: Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Sean Jansen

Bench: James McNabney

Half-back

Jamison Gibson-Park appears to be fit, but there might be room for change up on the bench, with Nathan Doak knocking on the door over the past year.

The out-halves, Sam Prendergast and Ciarán Frawley, arrive as the two most in-form players in the squad.

Selection: Jamison Gibson-Park, Sam Prendergast

Bench: Nathan Doak, Ciarán Frawley

Centre

This is where you will see our most controversial selection.

Stuart McCloskey is nailed on, after establishing himself as his country's most important player.

Garry Ringrose WILL start beside him in Andy Farrell's side, but we feel that his distribution has been subpar in the last two campaigns, and Jamie Osborne could be just the man to get the backline ticking.

Selection: Stuart McCloskey, Jamie Osborne

Bench: Bundee Aki

Back three

Mack is back, and that means we get to see Ireland's strongest back three, alongside Robert Baloucoune and Hugo Keenan.

Selection: Mack Hansen, Robert Baloucoune, Hugo Keenan

Ireland 23 we want vs Argentina

  1. Andrew Porter
  2. Dan Sheehan
  3. Tom Clarkson
  4. Tadhg Beirne
  5. Joe McCarthy
  6. Ryan Baird
  7. Josh van der Flier
  8. Sean Jansen
  9. Jamison Gibson-Park
  10. Sam Prendergast
  11. Mack Hansen
  12. Stuart McCloskey
  13. Jamie Osborne
  14. Robert Baloucoune
  15. Hugo Keenan

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, James McNabney, Nathan Doak, Ciarán Frawley, Bundee Aki

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