Autumn Internationals Ireland v Argentina Preview Fresh from the 54-7 demolition of Italy in Chicago last week, Joe Schmidt’s Ireland name a much-changed side to take on the Argentines back on home shores. The Pumas – whose squad all play for the Jaguares in Super Rugby or for Argentine clubs – play their first Test since losing to Australia 45-34 in the final round of the Rugby Championship. The two sides have not met since playing at the Aviva in last year’s November Tests – a showdown Ireland triumphed in, 28-19. What’s the big team news? There’s still no Conor Murray for Ireland, so the scrum-half berth is filled by Kieron Marmion, with Luke McGrath on the bench. However, with Rob Kearney unavailable, hat-trick hero from Chicago, Jordan Larmour, is allowed to keep his starting spot at full-back. Garry Ringrose is also out with a hip complaint so Bundee Aki also retains his spot, lining up in the centre with Robbie Henshaw. However, Tadhg Beirne is not included in the squad, despite his two-try heroics against Italy. Instead, Iain Henderson and James Ryan pack down as locks, with Devin Toner on the bench. Rory Best’s return to hooker to captain the side is a welcome boon, while Sean O’Brien starts in the back-row, his first appearance for Ireland since playing Argentina last November. While Ireland welcome a familiar captain at hooker, but while Agustin Creevy retains his spot at two, it is back-rower Pablo Matera who will lead the side. Pumas boss Mario Ledesma has rolled the dice by picking lock Guido Petti in the back row, while Santiago Medrano comes in fat prop for only his second cap. Wing Bautista Delguy and nine Tomas Cubelli earn recalls. Related: What it’s like to watch a match in Japan What have they said? Talking about firestarter 15 Jordan Larmour, Joe Schmidt said: “It’s very much a step up but he’s given us confidence on the back of some pretty big Test matches where he’s come into the game late. “Obviously in Twickenham he came on in the midfield and did a really good job, he came on in the third Test particularly against Australia and did a great job coming in at full-back and he acquitted himself really well last week both at full-back and then when he shifted to the left wing. “So he has that versatility, that enthusiasm. He’s a ball of energy from back there and that get’s other people energised and hopefully we can maintain that throughout the game and give Jordan some more confidence in what is building to be a really positive introduction to Test rugby so far.” Argentina skipper explained how he felt to lead the side, saying before the tour: “This year I was captain of Jaguars and from that moment I looked to take advantage of that place to learn everything I could from Agustín who is a player who transmits a lot and has a lot of experience. “When Mario informed … Continue reading Autumn Internationals Ireland v Argentina Preview