Murphy back for crucial match with Argentina

Geordan Murphy's turbulent Ireland career produced a fresh twist yesterday when the Leicester full-back was recalled for Saturday's crucial showdown with Argentina. An unused squad member so far this autumn, Murphy has been handed the No 15 jersey as one of three changes to the team toppled 22-3 by New Zealand.

Girvan Dempsey, his long-time rival for the full-back duties, has been dropped from the 22 with Test rookie Keith Earls continuing on the bench. Often slipping in and out of favour under Eddie O'Sullivan, this will be Murphy's first appearance for new coach Declan Kidney. The gifted 30-year-old has accumulated 58 caps yet injury and some erratic form regularly diminished his influence.

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Frequently being shunted away from his preferred position at full-back and onto the wing has also frustrated a player once acclaimed as the "George Best of rugby".

"Geordan has been playing well. Full-back is an area that is highly competitive at the moment," said Kidney. "We felt it was tight over who would start in the last two weekends and Geordan is the right man for the job against Argentina. He has been around that long that everyone knows what he can do."

Ulster hooker Rory Best exchanges places with Jerry Flannery with the Munsterman selected to start in the front row while Stephen Ferris replaces Alan Quinlan. Quinlan was last night 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 tomorrow afternoon, a space on the bench has been left open in case Quinlan wins a late reprieve.