Cordero in line to make Test debut

By Mark Stevens
19/11/21

Exeter Chiefs back Facundo Cordero could win his first-ever Test cap for Argentina after he was named in their match-day squad to face Ireland in Dublin on Sunday (2:15pm).

The 23-year-old - who is the younger brother of former Chief, Santiago Cordero - is one of two Chiefs named in Mario Ledesma's squad for the final game of their Autumn Nations Series.

The other Chief on show will be new signing Santiago Grondona, who won his fifth Test cap when he came off the bench in last weekend's 37-16 win against Italy.

Grondona, whose move to Sandy Park was only confirmed last week, is set to start in the back-row for the Pumas alongside Marcos Kremer and Pablo Matera, who is set to win his 80th Test cap.

Ireland, meanwhile, welcome back Robbie Henshaw for his first appearance of the season as one of four changes they have made to their side which defeated New Zealand last time out.

While the pack remains the same, Henshaw is named at inside centre with Bundee Aki missing out through a minor knee injury. Ulster's Robert Baloucoune starts on the wing in place on Andrew Conway.

Joey Carbery and Conor Murray form the half-back duo with Johnny Sexton and Jamison Gibson-Park both ruled out.

Head coach Andy Farrell has resisted the temptation to make wholesale selection changes in a bid to maintain the momentum built by his side. Having named the same team for the wins against Japan and the All Blacks, just one of the changes made this week is unforced.

ARGENTINA TEAM TO FACE IRELAND

15 Emiliano Boffelli
14 Mateo Carreras
13 Matias Moroni
12 Jerónimo De La Fuente
11 Lucio Cinti
10 Santiago Carreras
9 Tomas Cubelli
1 Thomas Gallo
2 Julian Montoya (capt)
3 Francisco Gomez Kodela
4 Guido Petti
5 Tomas Lavanini
6 Santiago Grondona
7 Marcos Kremer
8 Pablo Matera

16 Facundo Bosch
17 Ignacio Calles
18 Eduardo Bello
19 Lucas Paulos
20 Facundo Isa
21 Gonzalo Bertranou
22 Nicolas Sanchez
23 Facundo Cordero