British and Irish Lions v Argentina: Key head to head battles
Andy Farrell finally gets the chance to run the rule over 23 of his British and Irish Lions squad tonight when they take to the field against Argentina in Ballsbridge.
The Lions head coach is without all but one of his Leinster contingent and he is also resting Bath out-half Finn Russell after the Cup winning exploits on both sides of the Irish Sea last weekend.
From an Irish angle there are three starters in the home side, with Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Finlay Bealham getting the nod. An opening win would be welcomed from a morale-boosting viewpoint but it will be an interesting exercise in seeing how various combinations perform.
Fin Smith v Tomas Albornoz
Andy Farrell wants those starting tonight to immediately put pressure on those in the stands and this is a big chance for the England out-half to lay down a marker on his return to the Aviva for the first time since Northampton's win over Leinster.
Albornoz has made a rapid and impressive improvement under Felipe Contepomi and will look to unlock the Lions' still developing defence.
Finlay Bealham v Mayco Vivas
From not being in the original Lions squad to starting in the opening game of the campaign, it's quite the transformation for Connacht tighthead Bealham.
With some doubts still around Tadhg Furlong's fitness but who is on the bench tonight, Farrell will hope that Bealham steps up to the challenge. Vivas, who plays for Gloucester, has close to 30 Pumas caps so is an experienced rival.
Sione Tuipulotu v Justo Piccardo
A highlight of the night should be the Tuipulotu/Bundee Aki partnership, one with the potential to be a hugely physical and potent combination at centre.
After missing the Six Nations, Tuipulotu was returning to his best as the club season ended. Piccardo's only Test appearance came in Dublin in November, when he came off the bench. This should be a fearsome test for the 23-year-old.
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