Geordan Murphy has been recalled at fullback for Ireland's match against Argentina at Croke Park on Saturday, a game which could have a huge impact upon their 2011 World Cup hopes.

Murphy replaces long-time rival Girvan Dempsey while, in other changes to the side beaten 22-3 by New Zealand last Saturday, hooker Jerry Flannery comes off the bench to swap places with Rory Best.

Elsewhere in the pack Stephen Ferris is back at blindside flanker after starting in that position during the 55-0 thrashing of Canada earlier this month and coming on as a replacement against the All Blacks.

In the forward replacements, Malcolm O'Kelly is named as cover for second-rows Paul O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan.

One position is being left vacant and will be confirmed following the appeal by the Ireland team against Alan Quinlan's three week suspension, which will be heard on Friday.

Quinlan was cited for stamping on New Zealand's Rodney So'oialo.

Referee Mark Lawrence spotted the incident yet only cautioned the Munster back-row.

But a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday said Lawrence had erred in not taking stronger action and banned Quinlan for three weeks.

Saturday's match could have a major bearing on Ireland's progress at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Defeat on Saturday, combined with a Scotland victory over Canada, would see Ireland drop down into ninth in the world rankings.

That would leave them in the third tier of next's month's World Cup draw in London and put them in a pool with two sides ranked above them.

With only the top two from each pool going through to the knockout stages, Ireland's hopes of a successful World Cup could be scuppered some three years before the tournament starts.

Argentina, currently fourth in the world rankings, were due to name their side later Thursday.

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