Ireland rugby head coach Andy Farrell has named his match-day squad for Friday night’s Nations Championship Northern Hemisphere Series meeting with Argentina at the Aviva Stadium. Kick-off in Dublin is scheduled for 8.10pm, with captain Dan Sheehan leading Ireland into the opening game of the November campaign.
The selection combines established international experience with an important first Test start for Connacht forward Sean Jansen. Mack Hansen also returns to the starting XV for his first Ireland appearance in a year, adding further interest to a team facing a physically demanding Argentina side.
Ireland rugby team brings fresh selection calls
Hugo Keenan starts at full-back, with Robert Baloucoune and Hansen named on the wings. In midfield, Robbie Henshaw partners Stuart McCloskey, while Craig Casey and Sam Prendergast form the half-back pairing.
Jansen’s promotion to number eight is the headline change in the pack. He made his Ireland debut during the summer and now has the opportunity to make his first Test start in front of a home crowd.
The forward pack features a strong Leinster and provincial core:
- Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong start in the front row.
- Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne provide the second-row combination.
- Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney and Jansen complete the back row.
Sheehan will captain Ireland from hooker, while Furlong brings considerable experience at tighthead. The starting side also includes a blend of provincial representation, with players from Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht all involved.
Experienced Ireland bench ready to influence the contest
Farrell has selected a bench capable of changing the rhythm of the match as the evening develops. Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole and Sam Illo provide front-row options, with Illo in line to make his home debut at the Aviva Stadium.
James Ryan and Josh van der Flier offer further experience among the forward replacements. Behind them, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki give Ireland attacking and tactical options across the backline.
That depth may prove important against Argentina, particularly if the match becomes a contest of territory, collisions and set-piece pressure. Ireland will want control from the opening exchanges, while the bench gives Farrell the flexibility to adjust the game plan in the final quarter.
Ireland v Argentina: team news and viewing details
The match will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with radio commentary available on RTÉ. Ireland will also wear a special Vodafone 25 jersey as the partnership marks 25 years in Ireland.
The confirmed Ireland starting XV is:
- Hugo Keenan
- Robert Baloucoune
- Robbie Henshaw
- Stuart McCloskey
- Mack Hansen
- Sam Prendergast
- Craig Casey
- Andrew Porter
- Dan Sheehan, captain
- Tadhg Furlong
- Joe McCarthy
- Tadhg Beirne
- Ryan Baird
- Nick Timoney
- Sean Jansen
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Sam Illo, James Ryan, Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki.
Key battles to watch at the Aviva Stadium
The midfield pairing of Henshaw and McCloskey will be central to Ireland’s ability to carry through Argentina’s defensive line. Their power and experience could help create room for Hansen and Baloucoune, while Keenan’s positioning from full-back will be important when Ireland look to counterattack.
At the breakdown, Timoney and Baird will be asked to compete aggressively and protect Ireland’s possession. Jansen’s work at number eight will also attract attention as he steps into a starting role on the international stage.
For Ireland, the priority will be to establish territory, build pressure through the forwards and make the most of attacking opportunities created by the half-back partnership. Argentina are unlikely to offer an easy opening, ensuring this will be a significant early test of Ireland’s November plans.
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What happens next for Ireland?
Friday night’s Argentina clash begins Ireland’s November campaign and offers Farrell an immediate opportunity to assess both established players and emerging options. The spotlight will be on Jansen’s first start, Hansen’s return and how Ireland’s experienced core handles a powerful opponent.
The result will shape the early mood around Ireland rugby, but the performance will be just as important. Supporters can expect a competitive Aviva Stadium contest, with the next stage of the campaign set to depend on how well this side combines control, intensity and attacking accuracy.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby