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Ireland's Likely Lineup Against Argentina With All Of Those Injuries

Ireland's Likely Lineup Against Argentina With All Of Those Injuries
Conor O'Leary
By Conor O'Leary
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After Ireland's huge victory over France, attention has to turn to next week and the challenge of Argentina standing in the way of Ireland's best ever World Cup.

It was notable in the way the Irish players reacted at half-time that they weren't celebrating too much. It's a sign of Joe Schmidt's teams that they aren't satisfied, and it bodes well for Ireland that the players will focus immediately on Argentina.

But with the injuries and potential citings ruling out several key players, it could be a patchwork team that Ireland put out against Argentina next Sunday.

ireland lineup argentina

Schmidt is likely to keep faith with his back three, who all played very well. Tommy Bowe in particular was fantastic for Ireland, and has put the performance against England behind him. Likewise in the centre, you'd expect Luke Fitzgerald to continue to fill in for Earls, should Earls' injury prove serious. A partnership of Fitzgerald and Henshaw genuinely excites, and the pair can interchange to maximise their skills.

Ian Madigan's impressive 60 minutes have earned him the starting spot for next week assuming that Sexton's groin/abductor injury is as serious as it looks. Conor Murray will have to step up his leadership roles to control the Irish backline.

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ireland lineup argentina

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Jack McGrath could be in line to be reinstated into the lineup. McGrath has been one of Ireland's best players this World Cup, and Healy was one of the few that didn't shine. A lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Rory Best, who will be required for his leadership.

The second-row partnership of Iain Henderson and Devin Toner were outstanding in the second half, and it's almost an easy decision to pair them together with no O'Connell. Donnacha Ryan will be called upon on the bench.

It's the back-row that needs the most tinkering. A replacement will need to be called up directly to the bench, most likely the recently recovered from injury Rhys Ruddock. Jordi Murphy is the likely blindside cover, while Chris Henry will come straight in on the openside should Sean O'Brien be cited.

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Ireland's Likely Line-Up To Play Argentina

15. Rob Kearney
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Dave Kearney
10. Ian Madigan
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Iain Henderson
5. Devin Toner
6. Jordi Murphy
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin
17. Cian Healy
18. Nathan White
19. Donnacha Ryan
20. Rhys Ruddock
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Simon Zebo

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See Also: The Joe Schmidt Interview That Gives An Update On Ireland's Key Players

See Also: Joe Schmidt Is Hopeful That Sean O'Brien Will Not Be Cited

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