Selection debates can sometimes feel like shouting into the abyss at the best of times, and especially during the Andy Farrell era. He’s a conservative selector who often gets critiqued for backing “his guys”. This week will be a true test of this. Ireland failed to fire on Friday and as well as that, looked tired in their first run out.
Maybe it will be the type of defeat that spurs change and evolution of the squad, but it more so feels like the result of a series of poor performances across 2024, culminating in an unconvincing outing that never lived up to the billing.
With rotation and potential knocks in mind, here are the players we would like to see feature in the matchday 23 on Friday night.
Cormac Izuchukwu
The first of two uncapped players on this list, Ulster clubman Cormac Izuchukwu could be the bright spark Ireland need in the pack. At 6' 7” and 118 kilos, “Izzy” is more than just his sizable frame. His athletic prowess allows him to accelerate away from contact, overpower opponents and add a different dimension to what Ireland already have.
We'd love to Izuchukwu step into the Ireland starting XV, with Tadhg Beirne moving to the second row and Joe McCarthy moving to the bench.
Jacob Stockdale
There’s something exciting about Jacob Stockdale storming down the left wing, and hopefully we see his Ulster form convert to Irish starts this weekend. James Lowe was good against the All Blacks, but Jacob leads the URC in defenders beaten, is tied-2nd top try scorer and 4th in metres made. He deserves a run out against a tier one nation.
We'd like to see Stockdale start in place of James Lowe.
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Jamie Osborne
The only change in the backline division sees arguably Ireland’s most impressive substitute get a run out alongside the man he replaced on Friday night. Osborne, who will turn 23 the day after the Argentina game, has started three times at centre this season alongside Garry Ringrose. Perhaps a move Ireland could make too?
We'd start Osborne in Bundee Aki's place, with Robbie Henshaw moving to the bench.
Thomas Clarkson
The next uncapped option in the squad is another Leinster man in tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson. The 24 year old is only included in the training squad, but with injury concerns to Tadhg Furlong and Tom O’Toole, Clarkson could make his Ireland debut sooner than expected.
With O'Toole ruled out and Furlong rehabbing his hamstring injury, we'd like to see Clarkson deputise for Finlay Bealham on Friday.
Craig Casey
The final adjustment to the squad is that of Munster’s “Petit General”, Craig Casey. With Conor Murray safely at the Autumn of his iconic career, it feels like a case of when and not if Casey will usurp his fellow Limerick man. Ireland lacked pace and direction at times last weekend, and having starred in South Africa in July; Casey seems like an obvious choice for Farrell to come off the bench.
Suggested 23 for Argentina
Backs: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park.
Forwards: Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Cormac Izuchukwu*, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt.).
Subs: Dave Heffernan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson*, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Craig Casey, Ciarán Frawley, Robbie Henshaw
