Prendergast fit to start as Ireland face Argentina in Nations Championship

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 17:52 · Archive

Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast has been passed fit to start Friday's Nations Championship clash with Argentina in Dublin. He will be joined in the half-backs by scrum-half Craig Casey, who has been chosen ahead of Jamison Gibson-Park. The latter, a British and Irish Lion, has been relegated to the bench.

Head coach Andy Farrell has warned his players against complacency. 'If ever a player feels comfortable, we're failing the group,' he said. 'If you want to keep ambition growing as a group then you've got to keep the ambition within the individual.' Farrell said the selection of Casey, aged 27, gives the scrum-half an opportunity to prove himself in a big game at the start of the season and take responsibility for how Ireland plays.

Casey made his Ireland debut in 2021 but has accumulated most of his Test caps coming off the bench as a replacement. Farrell stated that Casey has been playing well and deserves the chance to start, though he knows competition for the position exists. 'He's got the shirt so it's up to him and his team-mates to make a good first impression,' said Farrell.

Other changes to the Ireland team include Nick Timoney at openside flanker and Sean Jansen at number eight, replacing injured captain Caelan Doris. Props Andrew Porter, flanker Ryan Baird and wing Mack Hansen are all set to make their first international appearances in 12 months, having been sidelined with injury. Four Ulster players have been included in the Ireland squad for the match.

How it is being reported

• Andy Farrell warns Ireland players 'nobody can be comfortable' ahead of Argentina testIreland head coach Andy Farrell has warned his players nobody can afford to become complacent after selecting scrum-half Craig Casey ahead of Jamison Gibson-Park for Friday's Nations Championship clash with Argentina in Dublin.Belfast Live · 5 Nov, 12:00
• Ireland star reveals why he’s not in camp simply to ‘fill a jersey’ as he gears up for Argentina assignmentBelfast Telegraph · 5 Nov, 11:04
• Four Ulster players included in Ireland squad for Nations Championship clash with ArgentinaIreland fly-half Sam Prendergast has been passed fit to start Friday’s Nations Championship clash with Argentina in Dublin.News Letter · 4 Nov, 14:43
• Out-half set to win fitness race to start Ireland’s Nations Championship clash with ArgentinaBelfast Telegraph · 3 Nov, 19:30

In this story: Sam Prendergast · Craig Casey · Andy Farrell · Ireland · Argentina · Dublin

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log