DUBLIN — Cian Healy is poised to equal Brian O’Driscoll’s record for the most appearances in Irish rugby history after being included among the substitutes for the upcoming test against Argentina on Friday.
If Healy, who is 37 years old, comes into play, this match will mark his 133rd cap for Ireland, following his first appearance against Australia back in 2009.
Coach Andy Farrell expressed his admiration for Healy, stating, “It will be an incredible moment for him, his family and friends to reach Brian O’Driscoll’s 133-cap milestone.
We’ll acknowledge Cian once more, but he has cemented his legacy as a legend within the game in Ireland, and his impact on his teammates, both current and former, goes beyond his numerous achievements on the pitch.”
The Irish team, which began its autumn schedule with a defeat against New Zealand last week, has also added uncapped players Thomas Clarkson and Sam Prendergast to the bench.
On the other hand, Argentina has reinstated flanker Pablo Matera, who had been suspended, following their impressive 50-18 victory over Italy last week.
Additionally, lock Guido Petti and Matias Moroni have been included in the squad for the Pumas, who currently rank fifth in the world standings.
Here’s a look at the teams:
**Ireland:** Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (captain), Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter. Reserves: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Jamie Osborne.
**Argentina:** Juan Cruz Mallia, Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Matias Moroni, Bautista Delguy, Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Bertranou; Joaquin Oviedo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Pablo Matera, Pedro Rubiolo, Guido Petti, Joel Sclavi, Julian Montoya (captain), Thomas Gallo. Reserves: Ignacio Ruiz, Ignacio Calles, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Franco Molina, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Garcia, Santiago Carreras, Justo Piccardo.