The TNT live feed has just flicked on and they’vekicked off with a speech from Theodore Roosevelt:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
It’s a good speech, to be fair.
Argentina’s coach, Felipe Conteponi, marks his return to Dublin tonight.
As a playmaker, he represented Leinster for six years between 2003 and 2009, before returning as the province’s attack coach for four seasons in 2018.
He’s been fantastic as the Pumas coach, giving them a new identity and a harder edge, encouraging them to attack from anywhere while causing chaos at the breakdown.
Look out for Argentina’s ability to shift the point of contact at breakneck speed. One second they’re going right, the next they’re moving left. This strategy was a handful for the Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies. Can Ireland deal with it?
Pablo Matera returns to the back row after serving a suspension and he’ll play an important part in the Pumas quest to disrupt Ireland’s ball.
Elsewhere, the electric Santiago Carreras returns after an injury to take his place on the bench.
Guido Petti replaces Franco Molina at lock while there is one backs change as Matias Moroni comes in for Matias Orlando
Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia; Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Matias Moroni, Bautista Delguy; Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Bertranou; Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya (capt), Joel Sclavi; Guido Petti, Pedro Rubiolo; Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Joaquin Oviedo.
Replacements:Ignacio Ruiz, Ignacio Calles, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Franco Molina, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Garcia, Santiago Carreras, Justo Piccardo.
Miraculously, as if he’s defying the laws of nature, Cian Healy is still playing rugby at the elite level.
The 37-year-old prop will equal Brian O’Driscoll’s record for most number of caps in an Irish shirt tonight when he comes off the bench to represent his nation for the 133rd time.
There’s just one change to the team that lost to New Zealand with with Robbie Henshaw’s replacing Bundee Aki - who does not make the squad - in midfield.
On the bench, alongside Healy, prop Thomas Clarkson and the very promising fly-half Sam Prendergast are set to make their debuts.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Jamie Osborne.
Argentina, however, were outstanding against Italy, clattering the Azzurri with six different players scoring tries in a 50-18 rout.
The Pumas have already claimed big scalps this year having beaten New Zealand in Wellington, South Africa by a point and Australia by a record score. A win here tonight would send a clear message that Felipe Contepomi’s side is a force to be reckoned with.
Ireland simply have to be better and Andy Farrell will expect a statement. The breakdown will be pivotal. Ireland’s approach requires fast ball but the Pumas are the masters at disrupting. This is where the game will be won or lost.