Ireland vs Argentina LIVE rugby: Latest updates as hosts look to bounce back against Pumas

A sizeable chunk of Ireland’s autumn squad were still at primary school when Cian Healy made his Test debut against Australia in 2009. Fifteen years on, the veteran prop is poised to make history by moving alongside former team-mate Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s most-capped player. Having largely provided back-up for first-choice loosehead Andrew Porter during the Farrell era, the 37-year-old will win the 133rd cap of his career, if he is brought on from the bench. “He’s been a legend of our squad for all these years and he continues to be so,” said Farrell.

The All Blacks defeat was a sour start to the autumn for Ireland. Following a big billing and plenty of expectation, a capacity Aviva Stadium crowd was largely subdued as the below-par hosts slipped to a first home loss in more than three years. Ireland are determined to bounce back – and have a track record of doing so. Only once during the reign of head coach Farrell, which spans 51 games, have they been beaten twice in a row: defeats to Wales and France at the start of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.

News broke yesterday of a potential breakaway rugby competition that could revolutionise the sport. The Independent understands that while discussions have taken place, they are at a “very, very early” stage.

Andy Farrell believes taking on Argentina will be the “perfect” test of Ireland’s character after they “let a few people down” during a deflating defeat to the All Blacks.

The Six Nations champions were dealt a reality check at the start of their autumn campaign when New Zealand capitalised on a raft of errors to become the first visiting team to triumph in Dublin in more than three years.

Head coach Farrell has kept faith with 14 of the 15 players who started the underwhelming 23-13 loss as his side prepare to host a dangerous Pumas side at the Aviva Stadium.

Argentina have recalled flanker Pablo Matera as part of three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s Autumn Nations Series match against Ireland in Dublin.

Vice-captain Matera, who was suspended for last week’s 50-18 win over Italy, and lock Guido Petti replace Santiago Grondona and Franco Molina in the Pumas’ forward pack.

Matias Moroni comes in at inside centre for Matias Orlando in the other alteration, while there is no place in the match-day squad for Connacht back Santiago Cordero.

Cordero came off the bench to score the fifth of Argentina’s seven tries during their record win over the Azzurri in Udine.

Leinster prop Healy, who made his debut against Australia in November 2009, will win his 133rd Test cap, if he comes off the bench at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

A very good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of the opening match of another blockbuster weekend of Autumn Nations Series rugby action.

Ireland return to the Aviva Stadium a week on from a first defeat at the venue for three and a half years hoping to correct the errors made against New Zealand. But watch out for a visiting Argentina side who continued their impressive year so far with a 50-18 drubbing of Italy in Udine in their November opener.

Kick off is at 8.10pm GMT.