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BUENOS AIRES - Rugby league convert Brian Carney will win his first cap when Ireland face Argentina in the first rugby test at Santa Fe on Saturday (local time).
Carney, a 30-year-old who changed codes this year and is the only uncapped player in a second-string Ireland side, will play on the right wing in the match at the Colon soccer ground in Santa Fe, 478km north of Buenos Aires.
Ireland and Argentina, who meet in the second test in Buenos Aires on June 2 and in a key World Cup Group D match in Paris on Sept. 30, are without a number of leading players being rested or still committed to their clubs.
"This tour is about allowing players to challenge for the World Cup squad and it starts this weekend in the first test against Argentina," coach Eddie O'Sullivan said.
"Players have to put their hands up over the next two weeks to put their case forward," he was quoted as saying on the Irish union website.
"Now, that might put pressure on players, but there is no more pressurised an environment then international rugby and the World Cup, so this will be a good test for them."
Argentina are expected to name their team later in the week.
The match will be refereed by New Zealander Lyndon Bray.
- REUTERS
