Cian Healy set for record-equalling cap against Argentina

Cian Healy is set to join Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s most-capped player after being named on the bench for Friday’s game against Argentina.

By Ben Lynch , in News, Sport · 15 Nov 2024, 16:01 · 0 Comments

The Leinster prop, who debuted against Australia in November 2009, could earn his 133rd Test cap if he appears off the bench at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

In the starting lineup, centre Robbie Henshaw replaces Bundee Aki in the only change to Andy Farrell’s XV following last week’s 23-13 loss to New Zealand.

Uncapped Leinster duo Thomas Clarkson and Sam Prendergast are poised for their international debuts from the bench. Clarkson, a 24-year-old former Ireland Under-20 prop, was initially included in the autumn squad as a training member but now steps up in the absence of Tadhg Furlong and Tom O’Toole. Fly-half Prendergast is chosen over provincial teammate Ciaran Frawley to back up number 10 Jack Crowley. The 21-year-old was an unused squad member during Farrell’s summer tour to South Africa.

Also joining the reshuffled bench are forward Ryan Baird and scrum-half Craig Casey, while Iain Henderson, Conor Murray, O’Toole, Aki, and Frawley drop out of the match-day 23.

Head coach Farrell commented, “Training this week has had a sharp focus, and the squad is eager to get back to winning ways in front of our home crowd.

“Friday will be a memorable night at Aviva Stadium for many reasons. For Tom and Sam, their call-up is a credit to their recent performances and dedication, and we’re thrilled to see them debut.

“For Cian, who is at a different stage of his career, reaching Brian O’Driscoll’s 133-cap record is a special milestone for him, his family, and friends. Cian is a true legend of Irish rugby, and his impact on his teammates, both past and present, goes beyond his many achievements on the field. It promises to be a special night.”

Ireland team:

Starting XV:

H Keenan (Leinster); M Hansen (Connacht), G Ringrose (Leinster), R Henshaw (Leinster), J Lowe (Leinster); J Crowley (Munster), J Gibson-Park (Leinster); A Porter (Leinster), R Kelleher (Leinster), F Bealham (Connacht), J McCarthy (Leinster), J Ryan (Leinster), T Beirne (Munster), J van der Flier (Leinster), C Doris (Leinster, capt).

Replacements:

R Herring (Ulster), C Healy (Leinster), T Clarkson (Leinster), R Baird (Leinster), P O’Mahony (Munster), C Casey (Munster), S Prendergast (Leinster), J Osborne (Leinster).