Three huge calls in Ireland team to face Argentina

Ireland have made three big changes from their team that beat South Africa 38-3 at the start of the month.

Adam Byrne is named on the right wing for his debut while Leinster teammate James Ryan gets his first Ireland start in the second row.

An hour before the team was officially announced, word broke from Carton House that Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw would miss the game after suffering a hamstring injury. Munster centre Chris Farrell, who made his debut in the win over Fiji last week, retains his 13 jersey.

James Downey and myself discussed the likely changes on the latest episode of The Hard Yards [from 18:50 below] as well as the prospect of Joey Carbery getting a proper run at the No.10 jersey when he is back to full health.

“Conway has started against South Africa and Fiji and another start would be merited as he played brilliantly in those two games,” I noted, “but he can also cover a few positions off the bench.

“Schmidt told us after the Fiji game that this series was his last window for experimentation because [World Cup preparations] are going to get serious after this.”

Elsewhere, Andrew Conway, James Tracy and Luke McGrath are named amongst the replacements, as is Munster outhalf Ian Keatley.

IRELAND

Rob Kearney

Adam Byrne
Chris Farrell
Bundee Aki
Jacob Stockdale

Johnny Sexton
Conor Murray

Cian Healy
Rory Best (captain)
Tadhg Furlong

James Ryan
Iain Henderson

Peter O’Mahony
Sean O’Brien
CJ Stander

Replacements: James Tracy, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, Devin Toner, Rhys Ruddock, Luke McGrath, Ian Keatley, Darren Sweetnam.

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