Ireland host Argentina on Friday, with Los Pumas chasing a first Dublin win and the hosts needing a flawless November.
Ireland (1.32) open their November campaign at the Aviva Stadium against an Argentina side that has never won in Dublin. Andy Farrell’s men sit fourth in the north and need a strong home run to reach the Finals Weekend.
History Favours The Hosts
Argentina (3.55) have played 11 Tests in Dublin and have lost every one. Ireland have also won the last four meetings between the sides. Their most recent victory, 22-19 in 2024, came after they led 22-9 at half-time. Overall, Ireland lead the series 14-6.
Ireland are unbeaten at home in 2026. They have also won six of eight Tests this year. Wins over England at Twickenham (42-21), Australia (33-31) and Japan (36-20) show their quality. However, a 40-21 loss to New Zealand at Eden Park left them fourth in the table.
Ireland’s Reshuffled Side
Farrell has lost Doris, Conan, Ringrose and Crowley to injury. Consequently, he has built a new back row. Nick Timoney, Sean Jansen and Ryan Baird all start, and Baird returns after a year of leg fractures.
Craig Casey and Sam Prendergast form the half-back pair. Prendergast has recovered from a wrist injury. Mack Hansen also returns on the wing after a long spell of foot problems.
The front row looks strong. Andrew Porter, captain Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong have all toured with the Lions. Farrell has downplayed World Cup talk, saying his side are not yet contenders. Nevertheless, a complacent display looks unlikely.
Argentina’s Uphill Task
Los Pumas have stalled in 2026. They have won once, drawn once and lost four times. They have also won only one of their last seven matches. Gonzalo Garcia and Tomas Albornoz start at half-back, and Thomas Gallo and Santi Carreras are absent.
Felipe Contepomi returns to the Aviva, where he played and coached for Leinster. He has also hired Shaun Edwards to run the defence. Expect a fast blitz from the 13 channel.
The back row remains formidable. Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer and Pablo Matera offer power and skill. In addition, Juan Cruz Mallia returns at full-back after a year out with an ACL injury. Santiago Chocobares and Justo Piccardo give the visitors a hefty midfield.
Where The Game Will Be Won
The scrum and the aerial contest should decide this match. Porter, Sheehan and Furlong should hold a clear edge in the tight exchanges. Argentina have searched for a dominant tighthead for several seasons.
Casey’s box kicking also matters. He and Prendergast must win the air against Albornoz and the Pumas’ chasers. Furthermore, Ireland must finish stronger than they did in 2024, when Argentina nearly caught them late.
We expect Ireland to control the set piece and pull away after half-time. A bonus-point win by about 15 points looks likely.
