Two Munster Rugby players to start against Argentina in Nation's Championship
Craig Casey and Tadhg Beirne named in starting line-up for clash against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium
MUNSTER Rugby’s Craig Casey is one of just two players from the province who will start for Ireland in Friday’s Nation’s Championship match against Argentina.
Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland Match Day Squad, for the fixture which takes place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Captain Dan Sheehan will lead the side as they get their November campaign underway.
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 has been 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 will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One television while there will be live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
Ireland v Argentina, backs:
15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)
14. Robert Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)
10. Mack Hansen (Connacht)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)
9. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)
Forwards:
1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(41)(captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)
6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)
7. Nick Timoney (Queen’s University/Ulster)
8. Sean Jansen (Connacht)
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)
17. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
18. Sam Illo (Buccaneers/Connacht)
19. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)
20. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)
21. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)
22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Connacht)
23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht).