Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made a surprise selection call ahead of Friday night's clash with Argentina, leaving Jamison Gibson-Park out of his starting XV.

Munster scrum-half Craig Casey has been handed the number nine shirt, with Gibson-Park named among the replacements.

The decision has divided Ireland supporters, with some questioning the call and others delighted to see Casey given his chance.

Farrell has made six changes from Ireland's last outing, with Nick Timoney preferred to Josh van der Flier and Jamie Osborne missing out on the matchday 23.

Ireland fans question Gibson-Park decision

The reaction was almost immediate after Ireland confirmed their team.

One supporter asked: "Why is Casey in over JGP?"

Another questioned two selections: "Casey over JGP...?? Timoney over VDF?"

A third added: "Casey starting? Is Tommy injured?"

However, plenty of supporters were pleased to see the Munster scrum-half rewarded.

One wrote: "Delighted for Casey."

Another added: "Hope Casey can capture his 2024 form."

A supporter also defended Gibson-Park's omission, suggesting his limited game time was behind the decision.

They wrote: "JGP is way behind on game time - don't want to rush him back, presumably."

Gibson-Park missed the start of Leinster's season with a groin injury before returning to action against Munster in October.

His lack of recent game time may have influenced Farrell's thinking, although that has not been confirmed.

Jamie Osborne omission sparks further debate

The absence of Jamie Osborne has also raised eyebrows.

The Leinster youngster has been left out of the 23, with Robbie Henshaw and Stuart McCloskey forming the midfield partnership.

One supporter wrote: "No Osbourne in the squad is a surprise."

Another added: "Interesting only change I would've made is Osbourne at 13 other than that pretty happy."

However, not everyone disagreed with Farrell.

One supporter defended Henshaw's selection, pointing to his recent performances for Leinster.

Interestingly, Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll also backed Henshaw and McCloskey to start when naming his predicted XV earlier this week.

O'Driscoll also selected Gibson-Park at scrum-half, making Farrell's decision to start Casey an even bigger talking point.

Farrell makes further changes

Ulster back-rower Nick Timoney has been handed a rare start, with former World Rugby Player of the Year Josh van der Flier dropping to the bench.

Connacht's Sean Jansen will make his first Test start at number eight, while Ryan Baird completes the back row.

Captain Dan Sheehan leads the side, with Mack Hansen returning on the wing.

Sam Prendergast has also recovered from a wrist injury to start at fly-half.

Farrell's selection comes after Ireland confirmed their Nations Championship squad, with injuries to several established players limiting his options.

Ireland team to face Argentina

Starting XV

1. Andrew Porter

2. Dan Sheehan (captain)

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. Joe McCarthy

5. Tadhg Beirne

6. Ryan Baird

7. Nick Timoney

8. Sean Jansen

9. Craig Casey

10. Sam Prendergast

11. Mack Hansen

12. Stuart McCloskey

13. Robbie Henshaw

14. Robert Baloucoune

15. Hugo Keenan

Replacements

16. Rónan Kelleher

17. Tom O'Toole

18. Sam Illo

19. James Ryan

20. Josh van der Flier

21. Jamison Gibson-Park

22. Ciarán Frawley

23. Bundee Aki

Ireland face Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday, November 6, with kick-off at 8.10pm.

The match marks the beginning of a demanding November schedule, with Fiji and South Africa also heading to Dublin.

Farrell will be hoping his selection calls pay off against Los Pumas.

But with Gibson-Park, Van der Flier and Aki waiting on the bench, Ireland certainly have plenty of experience to call upon.