Murphy to start for Ireland
Thursday, 20 Nov 2008 22:48
Murphy returns for Ireland against Argentina
Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has turned to Geordan Murphy as one of three changes for Saturday's crunch showdown with Argentina in Dublin.
Murphy will replace Leinster's Girvan Dempsey at full back in what will be his first start since facing England in the Six Nations last March.
Blind-side flanker Stephen Ferris and Jerry Flannery are the other changes to the side that was beaten 22-3 by New Zealand at Croke Park on Saturday.
Ferris replaces Alan Quinlan, as the Munster player is suspended for three matches after allegedly stamping on New Zealand’s Rodney So'oialo at the weekend, with Flannery coming in for Rory Best at hooker.
Also, Ireland's most capped player Malcolm O’Reilly will have the chance to build upon his 91 appearances to date after being names on the bench.
The pressure is on Ireland to win as they could be overhauled by Scotland for a second tier World Cup seeding should they lose and Scotland beat Canada.
Meanwhile for Argentina, in their first visit to Croke Park, Felipe Contepomi has a hand infection giving Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe the opportunity to captain the side.
Elsewhere, Santiago Phelen has made four changes to the team that started last weekend’s 22-14 win over Italy.
The Sale Shark Fernandez Lobbe said: "Ireland are very tough opponents. They have very good side and combinations throughout the side.
"We must be very focused on our job if we want to secure a good result. We want to win, that's our main goal. I hope we can achieve it."