Ireland make three changes

12 April 2012

Ireland have recalled Geordan Murphy and Jerry Flannery for Saturday's showdown with Argentina at Croke Park.

Murphy returns at full-back, with Girvan Dempsey dropping out of the squad altogether following Saturday's 22-3 defeat by New Zealand.

Flannery is restored to the front row, forcing hooker Rory Best - who has recovered from a dead leg - to settle for a place among the substitutes. In the third and final change to the side swept aside by the All Blacks, Ulster back row Stephen Ferris replaces Alan Quinlan in the number six jersey.

Quinlan has been suspended for three weeks after a citing for stamping against the All Blacks was upheld by a disciplinary hearing.

Ireland have opted to appeal the decision and with the hearing being held on Friday, a space on the bench has been left open in case Quinlan wins a late reprieve.

Leinster veteran Malcolm O'Kelly, Ireland's most-capped player with 91 appearances, will provide second-row cover from the bench.

Lions lock Paul O'Connell has shaken off his dead leg and continues in an all-Munster tight five.

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