QF3: Ireland v Argentina, 18 October

   
IRELAND v ARGENTINA

18 October 2015
KO: 13:00 BST (UTC+01)
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Live on [tbc]

Ref: Jerome Garcès (France)
ARs: Romain Poite (France)and Chris Pollock (NZ)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

A. Head to Head

15 Played 15
10 Won 5
0 Drawn 0
5 Lost 15
331 Points 283

B. Recent Form

14 June 2014
Estadio Monumental José Fierro, Tucumán
17 – 23 to Ireland

7 June 2014
Estadio Centenario, Resistencia
17 – 29 to Ireland

24 November 2012
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
46 – 24 to Ireland

28 November 2010
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
29 – 9 to Ireland

22 November 2008
Croke Park, Dublin
17 – 3 to Ireland

30 September 2007
Parc des Princes, Paris, France
30 – 15 to Argentina

2 June 2007
Estadio José Amalfitani, Buenos Aires
16 – 0 to Argentina

C. TEAMS:

IRELAND


15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14. Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
13. Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
11. Dave Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
10. Johnny Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster)
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
1. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
5. Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
6. Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
7. Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) captain

Replacements;
16. Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)
17. Jack McGrath (St Mary's College/Leinster)
18. Nathan White (Connacht)
19. Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
20. Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster)
21. Eoin Reddan (Old Crescent/Leinster)
22. Ian Madigan (Blackrock/Leinster)
23. Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock/Leinster)

ARGENTINA


15. Joaquin Tuculet
14. Santiago Cordero
13. Matías Moroni
12. Juan Martín Hernández
11. Juan Imhoff
10. Nicolás Sánchez
9. Martín Landajo
1. Marcos Ayerza
2. Agustín Creevy (c)
3. Ramiro Herrera
4. Guido Petti
5. Tomás Lavanini
6. Pablo Matera
7. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
8. Leonardo Senatore

Replacements:
16. Julián Montoya
17. Lucas Noguera
18. Juan Pablo Orlandi
19. Matías Alemanno
20. Facundo Isa
21. Tomás Cubelli
22. Jerónimo De La Fuente
23. Lucas González Amorosino

Woooooooohooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Battle of the darkhorses to see who can upset the Tri-Nation bandwagon!

Need to see who Ireland have available for this - traditionally Ireland haven't done well at backing up big wins, although that seems to be changing under Joe's process driven approach.

Another hallmark is the performances don't drop off when other players come in - the expectation is the same on each player whether it is O'Connell or Touhy, Keatley or Sexton - therefore there has to be a confidence that whoever comes in can do the job.

The Pumas will be much fresher and will fancy this but the way we dealt with the French pack should give us confidence - Argentina have much more threat in the backs though that France.

Please don't mention Keatley...

PS - nothing wrong with him except very ropey kicking.

Argentina are far better at the breakdown than France too. Ireland had a free run on Sunday there.

Irish fans- would you rather be facing Argentina without Sexton, O'Mahony, O'Connell, Payne and O'Brien or facing New Zealand with the entire original squad available?

fa0019 wrote:Argentina are far better at the breakdown than France too. Ireland had a free run on Sunday there.

Agreed. It's hard to imagine a more different clash to the France-Ireland game. I'm guessing the Argentinians will be psychologically in a totally different place and will be very happy to keep Ireland tied up for as long as they can - knowing that Ireland will feel more and more pressure as the game goes on.

I expect that this one could be decided first of all on penalties around the breakdown and how well Madigan can keep his calm and manage the game in a controlled error-free fashion.

Notch wrote:Irish fans- would you rather be facing Argentina without Sexton, O'Mahony, O'Connell, Payne and O'Brien or facing New Zealand with the entire original squad available?

New Zealand

I'd take Argentina with a depleted side in a quarter final.

*Lets keep our first ever victory over NZ for the final to make it truly historic.

What was Sexton's injury anyway? And is there any word on his condition today?

Notch wrote:Irish fans- would you rather be facing Argentina without Sexton, O'Mahony, O'Connell, Payne and O'Brien or facing New Zealand with the entire original squad available?

Absolutely Argentina. The entire squad know their matchday roles and every player seems to slot into place seamlessly so I have no reservations over who can replace Sexton, POC or POM.

fa0019 wrote:Argentina are far better at the breakdown than France too. Ireland had a free run on Sunday there.

Argentina have been having a 'free run' virtually through their entire pool - NZ only turning on their engine at half time.

So won't they be a little anxious of what Ireland might bring to the party? Just like last week in the lead up to France, it seems to be always Ireland that have most to be worried about. 'Stop the Pomp of the opposition if you can' - seems to be the continuous cry when people talk about Ireland.

Is sexton that big a loss (as long as Madigan plays like he did on Sunday). Thought he was standout... if anything he improved the side.

SecretFly wrote:

fa0019 wrote:Argentina are far better at the breakdown than France too. Ireland had a free run on Sunday there.

Argentina have been having a 'free run' virtually through their entire pool - NZ only turning on their engine at half time.

So won't they be a little anxious of what Ireland might bring to the party?  Just like last week in the lead up to France, it seems to be always Ireland that have most to be worried about.  'Stop the Pomp of the opposition if you can' - seems to be the continuous cry when people talk about Ireland.

Why the beef fly??? All i said was that Ireland were not really challenged by France in the ruck yesterday. The french were pretty impressive defensively for most of the game but did little to compete the breakdown. Argentina have been rather good at the breakdown this year.

The thing about Sexton is that when on form he can slow down a game as much as heat it up.

Madigan is a Heater Upper and seems to be too tentative when games don't go there or can't go there. So his control of tempo would be the issue.... which I hope he's beginning to learn how to control in Irish Camp!!! 'cause it looks like he might have a bigger say in this WC than any of us had imagined.

Golden wrote:

Notch wrote:Irish fans- would you rather be facing Argentina without Sexton, O'Mahony, O'Connell, Payne and O'Brien or facing New Zealand with the entire original squad available?

New Zealand

No difference, we have to beat the top sides eventually if we want to lift the trophy and we have to do it with the players we have available.

Every side can beat each other at this stage of the competition.

Argentina is a different prospect to what Ireland is used too.

They have adopted their game plan to that of New Zealand and has been rather efficient in it.

I think this game is going to be very closely contested

fa0019 wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

fa0019 wrote:Argentina are far better at the breakdown than France too. Ireland had a free run on Sunday there.

Argentina have been having a 'free run' virtually through their entire pool - NZ only turning on their engine at half time.

So won't they be a little anxious of what Ireland might bring to the party?  Just like last week in the lead up to France, it seems to be always Ireland that have most to be worried about.  'Stop the Pomp of the opposition if you can' - seems to be the continuous cry when people talk about Ireland.

Why the beef fly??? All i said was that Ireland were not really challenged by France in the ruck yesterday. The french were pretty impressive defensively for most of the game but did little to compete the breakdown. Argentina have been rather good at the breakdown this year.

If there is beef, it's yours Fa. Been detecting the less than happy response to the Irish win in the nature it was won - which is understandable as we all got a horse in this race still But I repeat, it's always Ireland that must try to stop the opposition they face on these pages. What about Argentina worrying about stopping us now?

I really think the first 10-15 minutes could drive the entire result of this game. Ireland are fantastic when leading piling pressure onto the opponents at every contact point, but seem to really struggle if they fall behind and have to chase a game.

so if Ireland can build a 6/9 point lead in this period I can see them winning at a canter. If however Argentina can run in an early try and lead by a score it could be a painfull evening spent bashing against a brick wall for the men in green.

rodders wrote:

Golden wrote:

Notch wrote:Irish fans- would you rather be facing Argentina without Sexton, O'Mahony, O'Connell, Payne and O'Brien or facing New Zealand with the entire original squad available?

New Zealand

No difference, we have to beat the top sides eventually if we want to lift the trophy and we have to do it with the players we have available.

Every side can beat each other at this stage of the competition.

Irish fans- would you rather be facing Argentina without Sexton, O'Mahony, O'Connell, Payne and O'Brien or facing New Zealand with the entire original squad available?

Argentina all day everyday and twice on weekends!

Madigan for Sexton - on current confidence levels and if he can replicate last night Madigan is at least as good as a replacement.

Murphy (or maybe Hendrerson) for POM. POM is better but then Murphy may well step up to the mark and he is a very solid replacement.

Hendo for POC - what we lose in leadership we gain in sheer power. Actually, you can never replace POC's leadership but I thought Heaslip, BEst and Murray among others really stood up in the second half against France.

Henry for SOB - Henry doesn't have the carrying game of SOB, but he will tackle all day and ferret at the breakdown. He won't let us down.

SecretFly wrote:

fa0019 wrote:Argentina are far better at the breakdown than France too. Ireland had a free run on Sunday there.

Argentina have been having a 'free run' virtually through their entire pool - NZ only turning on their engine at half time.

So won't they be a little anxious of what Ireland might bring to the party?  Just like last week in the lead up to France, it seems to be always Ireland that have most to be worried about.  'Stop the Pomp of the opposition if you can' - seems to be the continuous cry when people talk about Ireland.

I think Ireland are clear favourites for this one. And let's be honest if you look at the other quarter line-ups you would hardly trade Argentina for one of the other 2nd place teams without serious reservations (maybe Scotland... but there would not be too much in it).

But, having said all that, we all know that the Argentinian's are the perfect underdog team. They are tough upfront and they are used to facing into extremely tough odds in the tri-nations. They won't give up the fight easily the way France or other teams might. So if they can land a few punches in the opening half... well it could turn into a real dogfight.

Still think we will take them though. Just worried what will be left if and when we do.

SecretFly wrote:

fa0019 wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

fa0019 wrote:Argentina are far better at the breakdown than France too. Ireland had a free run on Sunday there.

Argentina have been having a 'free run' virtually through their entire pool - NZ only turning on their engine at half time.

So won't they be a little anxious of what Ireland might bring to the party?  Just like last week in the lead up to France, it seems to be always Ireland that have most to be worried about.  'Stop the Pomp of the opposition if you can' - seems to be the continuous cry when people talk about Ireland.

Why the beef fly??? All i said was that Ireland were not really challenged by France in the ruck yesterday. The french were pretty impressive defensively for most of the game but did little to compete the breakdown. Argentina have been rather good at the breakdown this year.

If there is beef, it's yours Fa.  Been detecting the less than happy response to the Irish win in the nature it was won - which is understandable as we all got a horse in this race still  But I repeat, it's always Ireland that must try to stop the opposition they face on these pages.  What about Argentina worrying about stopping us now?

Why because on another thread I said that I couldn't see how Pape didn't dive? Think that's all I've commented on.. that and saying Madigan was really impressive.

Nos na Gaoithe wrote:I think Ireland are clear favourites for this one. And let's be honest if you look at the other quarter line-ups you would hardly trade Argentina for one of the other 2nd place teams without serious reservations (maybe Scotland... but there would not be too much in it).

I think Argentina are the strongest of the four 2nd place qualifiers (what with Wales completely decimated by injury)

I shall call it now. 33-12 to Ireland.

LondonTiger wrote:I really think the first 10-15 minutes could drive the entire result of this game. Ireland are fantastic when leading piling pressure onto the opponents at every contact point, but seem to really struggle if they fall behind and have to chase a game.

so if Ireland can build a 6/9 point lead in this period I can see them winning at a canter. If however Argentina can run in an early try and lead by a score it could be a painfull evening spent bashing against a brick wall for the men in green.

Ireland is vulnerable when getting behind on the scoreboard due to the tactics they play.

Their game plan is similar to what SA did in 2009, lots of kick chase trying to put receiver under pressure and prey on mistakes, no running any risky plays unless ahead on the score board, low risk rugby.

It is suited to finals rugby if you manage to stay ahead. Their breakdown play is seriously close to illegal, but they get away with a lot.

Yes, Yes, everyone is now going to be up in arms but go look at a few plays yesterday against France and you will see what I mean.

First half France is deep on attack, Best literally dives on top a the ruck reaching over to pilfer, his feet isn't even touching ground, but he wins the penalty.

Sean O'Brien "falls" into the French scrumhalf as he "vacates" the ruck, knock on and scrum to Ireland.

Clearing a French player way behind the ruck, he wasn't even part of the ruck, but two Irishmen drive him back.

I suppose you could say if you can get away with it, then god for you.

I just hope the captains ensure they communicate well with the referees.

Despite his performance off the bench, I would not be overly confident about Madigan starting. I like Jackson but he isn't good enough at this point of his career for this sort of match.

Henry is a different player than POM and in some ways you aren't losing much by bringing him in- you are getting a different sort of player. I'm gutted for POM as he was excellent on Sunday but Henry was also extremely good when he came on. The problem will be missing both POM and SOB for the rest of the tournament (win or not I don't think we will see SOB again). Is Henderson disciplined enough to play 6? Has he got the skills necessary for the nuances of a high pressure international breakdown? I'm not sure he has.

We will undoubtedly miss POC's leadership and lineout ability, but, and I realise this is sacrilege, Henderson is already a better player around the park than POC. It's POC's intangibles that we will miss. Ryan, if fit, is a decent replacement as well.

Argentina are a good team, but they are a step down consistency wise from the other Rugby Championship sides despite their improvements. Their breakdown work is good but is it that much better than France? To say Ireland had a 'free run', as is typical, gives no credit to the Irish pack. We blasted France off the park. France are typically good at the breakdown but on this occasion Ireland's clear out was generally superb after 20 mins and our backrow dominated theirs. There is no reason why we can't do the same to Argentina. They are a good side, no doubt, possibly on the same general level as Ireland, Wales, Australia, England and South Africa in the past year or so where those teams can all beat each other on any given day. However if our patched up pack can play with the same intensity we will win. Let's not forget, Ireland were extremely sloppy and inaccurate with the ball at times. We have much room for improvement.

LondonTiger wrote:

Nos na Gaoithe wrote:I think Ireland are clear favourites for this one. And let's be honest if you look at the other quarter line-ups you would hardly trade Argentina for one of the other 2nd place teams without serious reservations (maybe Scotland... but there would not be too much in it).

I think Argentina are the strongest of the four 2nd place qualifiers (what with Wales completely decimated by injury)

Can't say I disagree that much about Argentina being currently best placed due to injuries or the order of their games... But I think we really wouldn't want to play Wales over Argentina. I think France would objectively be a team that most other teams would not like to choose over Argentina (even though Ireland did make them look particularly bad yesterday)... And as for Scotland... well they have the close-neighbour psychology and the knowledge to give Ireland a real run for their money (they beat us two games in a row 2012 & 2013 and our last 6N game was 28-22 at home).

And remember these are the 2nd place teams were talking about. So my point is that, when you take on board the other 5 or 6 QF teams, then it seems silly and a waste of energy to be talking up Argentina in the QF draw.

fa0019 wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

fa0019 wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

fa0019 wrote:Argentina are far better at the breakdown than France too. Ireland had a free run on Sunday there.

Argentina have been having a 'free run' virtually through their entire pool - NZ only turning on their engine at half time.

So won't they be a little anxious of what Ireland might bring to the party?  Just like last week in the lead up to France, it seems to be always Ireland that have most to be worried about.  'Stop the Pomp of the opposition if you can' - seems to be the continuous cry when people talk about Ireland.

Why the beef fly??? All i said was that Ireland were not really challenged by France in the ruck yesterday. The french were pretty impressive defensively for most of the game but did little to compete the breakdown. Argentina have been rather good at the breakdown this year.

If there is beef, it's yours Fa.  Been detecting the less than happy response to the Irish win in the nature it was won - which is understandable as we all got a horse in this race still  But I repeat, it's always Ireland that must try to stop the opposition they face on these pages.  What about Argentina worrying about stopping us now?

Why because on another thread I said that I couldn't see how Pape didn't dive? Think that's all I've commented on.. that and saying Madigan was really impressive.

I replied to you comment with one that said let's stop always focusing on what the opposition could do to Ireland and you say 'why the beef?'  That's a pretty distinct hint from me that you're alive and kicking as this competition progresses.  That's good - we all have our war helmets on now The 'beef' was a simple retort of the idea that Ireland have to face Argentina's breakdown.  They have to face us.  And don't you think the French would have given Argentina a game?  I think they would have.  They'll give New Zealand one.

Biltong wrote:
First half France is deep on attack, Best literally dives on top a the ruck reaching over to pilfer, his feet isn't even touching ground, but he wins the penalty.

Sean O'Brien "falls" into the French scrumhalf as he "vacates" the ruck, knock on  and scrum to Ireland.

Clearing a French player way behind the ruck, he wasn't even part of the ruck, but two Irishmen drive him back.

I suppose you could say if you can get away with it, then god for you.

I just hope the captains ensure they communicate well with the referees.

Best had to reach over Heaslip and I think Dusatoir but his feet seemed to be on the ground, I doubt he was supporting his own bodyweight though

SOBs case the ball had come out of the ruck but he ended up there because of a tackle by a French player did he not?

In a some what perverse way I think losing these "talismans" could actually benefit us.
There will be no hiding place for the team waiting for one of POC POM SOB or Sexton to lead the way. The whole team will have to step up and I think we will destroy Argentina on Sunday. From the first minute we will blast them off the park.


And fly has a point. I think it was Dawson or guscott was questioning weather we could stand up to the French forwards. It's been in the media a bit that were doing OK but will we be good enough for the next team we face.
Well the answer is don't worry about us, were doing just fine.
Bring on the argues.(and the Argies as well)

marty2086 wrote:

Biltong wrote:
First half France is deep on attack, Best literally dives on top a the ruck reaching over to pilfer, his feet isn't even touching ground, but he wins the penalty.

Sean O'Brien "falls" into the French scrumhalf as he "vacates" the ruck, knock on  and scrum to Ireland.

Clearing a French player way behind the ruck, he wasn't even part of the ruck, but two Irishmen drive him back.

I suppose you could say if you can get away with it, then god for you.

I just hope the captains ensure they communicate well with the referees.

Best had to reach over Heaslip and I think Dusatoir but his feet seemed to be on the ground, I doubt he was supporting his own bodyweight though

SOBs case the ball had come out of the ruck but he ended up there because of a tackle by a French player did he not?

Yes, SOB was driven out of the ruck, in effect being offside as the ball came out.

Exiled Gael wrote:To say Ireland had a 'free run', as is typical, gives no credit to the Irish pack. We blasted France off the park. France are typically good at the breakdown but on this occasion Ireland's clear out was generally superb after 20 mins and our backrow dominated theirs. There is no reason why we can't do the same to Argentina.

I think this is spot on. We've seen Ireland put that sort of breakdown heat on the best teams in the world and it has the same predictable result. What happened France was not a one-off and was not about them not showing up. The only question is can we repeat that for 3 or 4 matches in a row without being decimated physically.

I think fly France are a lot like England at the moment. Will tackle their hearts out, they have a few gifted backs but can't control the ruck area enough to either retain possession enough to be threatening or slow down/pinch the oppositions ball. Defence at this level is not enough.

Romantic in me (just about a candlelight still flickering!) says France can.... but only if NZ had serious gremlins on their backs about the fixture.

I think Argentina are a very underrated outfit and their ranking doesn't do them justice.  Good side, very good at times. Few superstars anymore but they've developed into an excellent unit. People say the MS has never been so loud so I don't doubt it will be a home game for Ireland fan wise. Maybe that will be the difference between the 2 sides.

Is a South African actually going to lecture someone else on playing the referee / cheating at the breakdown?

What next, Coolness Under Pressure: An authorised biography of Chris Robshaw?

Well to be fair it wasn't a lecture, merely an opinion.

fa0019 wrote:
I think Argentina are a very underrated outfit and their ranking doesn't do them justice.  Good side, very good at times. Few superstars anymore but they've developed into an excellent unit.

I really don't see who is under-estimating the Argies. They were great in all their games so far. Everyone thinks their scrum is one of the top units. And they've scored a hatful of running tries.

The point is that they are maybe being talked up and over-estimated just a little bit too much.

SOB definitely sailed close to the wind last night even aside from the Pape incident. The knocking the ball out of the scrumhalf's hand as he fell was more than a bit lucky for the Irish and I would have been mad had I been French.

Best was totally leaning across the piled up bodies, but in fairness it was the only way he could reach the ball!

fa0019 wrote:

I think Argentina are a very underrated outfit and their ranking doesn't do them justice.  Good side, very good at times. Few superstars anymore but they've developed into an excellent unit. People say the MS has never been so loud so I don't doubt it will be a home game for Ireland fan wise. Maybe that will be the difference between the 2 sides.

Not by me. I think Joe Schmidt and the remains of his team have a very serious assignment next week. And the comments that come from Irish camp this week (from players and our coaches) will reflect that truth and won't be as dismissive as the French opinions of us were in the lead up to Yesterday.

That's I suppose my only point when you break it down, fa. None of these Quarterfinalists are push-overs. None of them got in by chance or luck. So it's going to be fireworks in most games. Perhaps not as many tries as some might hope to expect, but fierce stuff and of course Argentina could come away as winner. No free lunches at this stage. Perform or you're gone.

I think if some of irish key-players will not recover in time Argentina is favourite for this one

rapidsnowman wrote:SOB definitely sailed close to the wind last night even aside from the Pape incident. The knocking the ball out of the scrumhalf's hand as he fell was more than a bit lucky for the Irish and I would have been mad had I been French.

Best was totally leaning across the piled up bodies, but in fairness it was the only way he could reach the ball!

I think SOB was unlucky at one stage too when he was penalised for not rolling away and I think it was Maestri was clearly pinning him down so he couldn't

fa0019 wrote:I think fly France are a lot like England at the moment. Will tackle their hearts out, they have a few gifted backs but can't control the ruck area enough to either retain possession enough to be threatening or slow down/pinch the oppositions ball. Defence at this level is not enough.

Romantic in me (just about a candlelight still flickering!) says France can.... but only if NZ had serious gremlins on their backs about the fixture.

I think Argentina are a very underrated outfit and their ranking doesn't do them justice.  Good side, very good at times. Few superstars anymore but they've developed into an excellent unit. People say the MS has never been so loud so I don't doubt it will be a home game for Ireland fan wise. Maybe that will be the difference between the 2 sides.

I don't think Argentina are an underrated side in this competition. I think they are being hyped up. If anything, I think it's Ireland that have been underrated. A team that has just won two 6N's, back to back, beaten France on both occasions, and beaten both Australia and South Africa in the AI's. Yet when we faced France all the talk was about how they don't really take the 6N's seriously. How they are a different side in a world cup, etc, etc.... Didn't seem to be too much confidence that Ireland could beat them, even though we have already proven that we can, and that was just months ago.

Now a lot of the talk is about how poor France are. Not how good Ireland were in putting away this French side that lifts its game for the world cup....

I thought we could beat France, although I admit my confidence was shaken when Payne was ruled out, but Earls stepped in and proved my fears groundless. I'm more confident we can beat Argentina. I don't buy the hype. So what if they play in a competition with the big three SH sides. Two of which we have beat at home.

While on a 1978 Ireland tour in Buenos Aires, Willie Anderson was imprisoned for three months by the Argentinian authorities after attempting to smuggle a flag from a government building - souvenir I suppose. He was later cleared of "demeaning a patriotic symbol".

Willie maintains there were certain generals high up in the military that wanted him put in front of a firing squad!
It certainly loses nothing in the telling, but we have had a fairly feisty rugby history with them.

I vote Willie to burn the Argentinian flag as the half time entertainment.

I'm quite sure the Argentinians will be more than conmfident in this match with out RWC history against them. History however wins you nothing and this Irish team are nothing like the previous stuttering and faltering Irish RWC teams. Seemples!!!

Pete330v2 wrote:I'm quite sure the Argentinians will be more than conmfident in this match with out RWC history against them. History however wins you nothing and this Irish team are nothing like the previous stuttering and faltering Irish RWC teams. Seemples!!!

Sure, I would say a rather large percentage of posters on here weren't even born the last time Ireland beat France 3 times in a row. As you say, history wins you nothing and this Irish side look very good.

Argentina are a very solid side and will compete more than France (who seemed to give up competing after 20mins) at the breakdown but Ireland have a squad of players that should do exactly what they did to the French. Happy days

Billy, disappointed in you.

I aim to please Fly.

You want to avoid NZ no doubt but playing Argentina isn't an easy fixture by any stretch of the imagination.

They look lethal.

I only pay in here to hear you analyse Payne. And not a word about him??? I personally thought he had a stinker of a game and it's as if he wasn't even there.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:You want to avoid NZ no doubt but playing Argentina isn't an easy fixture by any stretch of the imagination.

They look lethal.

We're going to try bore them to death, Rugger. Those Latin hotbloods hate being slowed down...