Preview: Ireland vs Argentina
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Preview: Ireland vs Argentina
In a fixture which has a lot of World Cup history, there is no reason why this game should be any different.
Ireland come into the game as one of 3 teams who are unbeaten, they face an Argentinian side who have scored the most points in the competition so far with 179 points.
After a tough week with Peter O'Mahony and inspirational captain Peter O'Connell being ruled out through injury, Joe Schmidt will be happy that Jonny Sexton and Keith Earls have passed fitness tests for this weekend's match.
With Sean O'Brien being banned for 1 week, Jordi Murphy comes into the side to replace him, Chris Henry comes in at 7, with Rhys Ruddock on the bench.
Argentina have reverted to their strongest side for their RWC 2015 quarter-final against Ireland after several changes in the team that beat Namibia 64-19 in their final pool match.
Argentina’s starting XV at the Millennium Stadium will contain 496 caps worth of experience, their second most experienced of this tournament after the 54-9 win over Georgia in their second Pool C match. The average age of the starting XV is 27 years and 93 days.
Argentina’s starting XV at the Millennium Stadium will contain 496 caps worth of experience, their second most experienced of this tournament after the 54-9 win over Georgia in their second Pool C match. The average age of the starting XV is 27 years and 93 days.
Marcelo Bosch misses out through suspension, with Matias Moroni coming in as one of 10 changes to the side.
The Pumas have talked about using their attack as defence against a strong Ireland side.
Ireland have had a better record over the last 5 games but when these sides last met in a World Cup, Argentina blew Ireland away with 30-15 victory back in 2007.
Last 5 results:
14 Jun 2014 Argentina 17 - 23 Ireland
07 Jun 2014 Argentina 17 - 29 Ireland
24 Nov 2012 Ireland 46 - 24 Argentina
28 Nov 2010 Ireland 29 - 9 Argentina
22 Nov 2008 Ireland 17 - 3 Argentina
Key man. Jonathan Sexton. The relief in Ireland after the news that Sexton was fit for this match shows what a vital cog he is in this Ireland machine. As it has been well documented, Argentina have been dominant at 10 over Ireland in previous meetings but Sexton is one of the best in the world and he needs to show his class for Ireland to shine.
Head to Head. Robbie Henshaw & Juan Martin Hernandez. We are very intrigued to see how this battle pans out through the match. 2 very different players, Henshaw a powerful and quick 12, while Hernandez is one of the best playmakers out there and is key man for los Pumas. Henshaw maybe edges it as the better defender but will be great to see how this clash unfolds.
BOD's prediction. Ireland. One of the hardest games in Joe Schmidt's tenure as Ireland boss and the Argentians should not be written off. However with 2011 in mind for Ireland, they will edge this one by 3.
