Jennings and Kearney to debut against Pumas

Flanker Shane Jennings and wing Rob Kearney will win their first caps for Ireland as Coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named the two debutants in his side for the second Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires this Saturday.

Tue, 29 May, 2007 - 17:54

Overall there are 12 changes, which includes one positional switch, to the side that started last weekend.

Geordan Murphy moves from the bench to start at full back.

Barry Murphy also comes into the starting side to partner Gavin Duffy who will play at inside centre.

Paddy Wallace is ruled out due to the knee injury he picked up last week, so the newly arrived Jeremy Staunton goes straight into outhalf.

He will be partnered at scrum-half by Eoin Reddan, who makes his first start for Ireland.

In the forwards, Frankie Sheahan replaces Jerry Flannery at hooker.

The entire back five of the pack has been changed, with Leo Cullen and Mick O'Driscoll in the second row.

Alan Quinlan and Stephen Ferris, who starts at No.8 for his third cap, will join new cap Shane Jennings in the backrow.

Ireland Coach Eddie O'Sullivan said: "I think a lot of the players last week stood up and put their cases forward for World Cup selection. This week's team has the same opportunity to do that in another pressurised environment."

Ireland:

15 - Geordan Murphy Leicester

14 - Brian Carney Clonakilty/Munster

13 - Barry Murphy U.L. Bohemians/Munster

12 - Gavin Duffy Galwegians/Connacht

11 - Rob Kearney UCD/Leinster

10 - Jeremy Staunton Wasps

9 - Eoin Reddan Wasps

1 - Bryan Young Ballymena/Ulster

2 - Frankie Sheahan Cork Constitution/Munster

3 - Simon Best (Captain) Belfast Harlequins/Ulster

4 - Leo Cullen Leicester