IRELAND'S team to play the holders Argentina in this afternoon's semi final of the FIRA Junior (Under 19) World Cup in Buenos Aires shows four changes and two positional switches compared to the side which defeated Scotland in Wednesday's vital Pool Four decider.

Gareth McCullough comes in for Tom Keating at full back in the only alteration in the backline. Keating was injured in the match against the Scots, when McCullough also replaced him, and was not considered.

Hooker Simon Elkinson is the only survivor in the front row, as Stephen Keane and Eamon Scullion take over from Michael Haslett and Simon Best, respectively. Keane replaced Haslett in the course of the Scottish game.

Brian Dineen comes into the second row as Mick O'Driscoll moves from there to number eight, Leo Cullen switches to open side flanker and Rory Hussey loses out.

According to team manager Jim Glennon, the players have been coping remarkably well with the heat. "The matches are being played in temperatures of 30 degrees at times - memories of Orlando 94!", said Glennon.

Today's other semi final is between Wales and France. The final will be played on Sunday.