Ireland head into their November Nations Championship Tests with a point to prove after a string of heavy defeats against rugby's elite. Since their 2022 autumn clean sweep that saw them finish top of the world rankings, Andy Farrell's side have lost six consecutive matches against New Zealand, France and South Africa by double-digit margins, conceding 191 points while scoring only 101. The most recent setbacks were a 36-14 loss to France in the Six Nations and a 40-21 defeat at Eden Park in July.
Squad news and selection dilemmas
The return of prop Tadhg Furlong, cleared of a disciplinary charge, boosts Ireland's front-row options alongside fellow British and Irish Lion Andrew Porter. However, captain Caelan Doris and Jack Conan are ruled out, leaving Sean Jansen as the leading candidate for the number eight jersey. Dan Sheehan's appearance in the back row for Munster offers an alternative, while uncapped Ulster flanker James McNabney may see limited game time. Ryan Baird's return provides a proven option at blindside flanker.
At fly-half, Sam Prendergast is nursing a wrist injury but Ireland remain optimistic about his availability. Jack Crowley is already ruled out, potentially opening the door for Ciaran Frawley or Ulster's Jamie Benson. In the centres, Garry Ringrose is unlikely to feature, with Jamie Osborne or Robbie Henshaw options at outside centre. On the wing, Mack Hansen's return after missing the Six Nations and summer Tests adds attacking threat.
Opposition overview
Argentina, who have never beaten Ireland in Dublin, stunned the British and Irish Lions at the Aviva Stadium last year. Coach Felipe Contepomi has made three late call-ups but will be without several injured players including Santiago Grondona and Thomas Gallo. Fiji, under new head coach Jake White, recorded a Test win over Japan in October and have named a 35-man squad featuring former England number eight Nathan Hughes. World champions South Africa arrive despite a recent loss to Australia, having won a 3-1 series against New Zealand and three Nations Championship matches at home. They will miss Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, Handre Pollard and Andre Esterhuizen but retain captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende, plus six uncapped players.
Fixtures (GMT)
Ireland v Argentina – Friday 6 November, 20:10
Ireland v Fiji – Saturday 14 November, 20:10
Ireland v South Africa – Saturday 21 November, 17:40
Finals weekend – 27-29 November, opponent to be confirmed
