Ireland Faces Argentina at the Aviva Stadium with Squad Changes
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell admitted his team couldn’t enter a World Cup tomorrow morning with 100% belief they could win it, rte.ie reported. Speaking ahead of the Friday night fixture at the Aviva Stadium, Farrell stated that the team needs improvement in every area to close the gap on South Africa, France, and New Zealand. The admission comes after an uncharacteristically sloppy 40-21 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland that left the side with work to do across almost every aspect of their game.
Argentina arrives in Dublin carrying just one win from six games in the calendar year. Felipe Contepomi’s side started the Nations Championship with a victory against Wales before suffering defeats to Scotland and England. However, judging Los Pumas on recent results comes with a health warning. Their last three matches—defeats to South Africa and Australia alongside a draw with the Wallabies—were played without the vast majority of their frontline talent.
Squad Rotations and Missing Personnel for Both Sides
Only four players from Argentina’s last three outings feature in the starting XV in Dublin: props Boris Wegner and Francisco Moreno, lock Guido Petti, and number 8 Pablo Matera. The entire starting backline returns to action for the first time since the summer. Contepomi also added Shaun Edwards to assist with defence until the end of the World Cup.
Ireland faces its own selection hurdles. Captain Caelan Doris remains sidelined with foot and knee issues, while Jack Conan misses out with a shoulder injury. Jack Crowley and Garry Ringrose are also watching from the sidelines. Despite these absences, Andrew Porter, Mack Hansen, and Ryan Baird return after missing the Six Nations and summer games, making up seven changes from the side that started against the All Blacks.
Did you know? Ireland has never lost to Argentina in 11 previous games on home soil, though the Pumas have eliminated Ireland at the World Cup stage in 1999, 2007, and 2015.
Preparing for the World Cup in Australia Next Year
While attention centers on the immediate November fixtures against Argentina, Fiji, and South Africa, both teams recognize the longer horizon. These squads could potentially meet in another World Cup quarter-final in Australia next year. Farrell noted that the demanding schedule prepares the squad for the uninterrupted intensity of next year’s tournament.
For Ireland, Johnny Sexton pointed to squad fitness as the key to reclaiming the multi-phase, high-speed game that defined their 2023 form. Selection changes reflect this forward-thinking approach, with Craig Casey starting at scrum-half ahead of Jamison Gibson-Park and Nick Timoney preferred to Josh van der Flier at blindside flanker. Kick-off at the Aviva Stadium is set for 8:10pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dublin Test
Who are the new coaching additions for Argentina?
Felipe Contepomi added Shaun Edwards to the Pumas coaching ticket to assist with defence until the end of the World Cup. Edwards previously helped France secure three Six Nations titles between 2020 and 2026.
Which key Irish players are missing through injury?
Captain Caelan Doris is sidelined with foot and knee issues, and Jack Conan is unavailable due to a shoulder injury. Other regulars including Jack Crowley and Garry Ringrose are also out for the fixture.
What is Ireland’s historical home record against Argentina?
Ireland holds an undefeated record against Argentina across 11 matches played on home soil, though the Pumas have recorded notable World Cup knockout wins against them in past tournaments.
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