RWC Quarterfinal #3: Ireland vs Argentina

Ireland fans will have been delighted to avoid the All Blacks in their quarterfinal tie, but at what cost? The loss of Peter O’Mahony and Paul O’Connell will have left major dents in the Irish camp, and their record against the Pumas in the World Cup is nothing to brag about. Argentina are also in very good form at the moment, and after beating the Springboks earlier this year, they will back themselves to upset a weakened Irish side.

In the front row, Argentina are spoiled for choice, and have named a potent trio. Marcos Ayerza, captain Agustin Creevy, and tighthead Ramiro Herrera will make life very difficult for Ireland. Argentina rely on their scrum for most of their success, and if Joe Schmidt’s side cannot hold their own, the Argentinians will make life very difficult. Ireland have not changed their front row, after the success they enjoyed against France. Cian Healy, Rory Best, and Mike Ross all start, and they are more than capable of holding their own in the scrum. In open play, look for Healy to pick up the ball carrying slack for the absent Sean O’Brien.

Argentina have developed the young pair of Guido Petti and Tomas Lavaninni into high quality international locks, and they are at the very heart of Argentina’s success at the maul. Their workrate is excellent, and there is no denying that they are very good operators in the lineout. Ireland have lost a huge part of their side in the form of Paul O’Connell, but if ever there was a worthy replacement, its Iain Henderson. He might not have the same smarts at lineout time, but in open play, Henderson is a beast, and he will get Ireland front foot ball time and time again, while Devin Toner, at 6’ 10” should be of great help for Ireland as a jumper.

Ireland have lost two key members of their back row, with both Sean O’Brien and Peter O’Mahony unavailable. Chris Henry is a very capable deputy, as he proved in the 2013 6 Nations when he filled in for O’Brien. Schmidt has called upon 24 year old Jordi Murphy to fill in at blindside. Murphy may not have the same ability at the breakdown as O’Mahony, but his workrate is outstanding, and he adds a very exciting dynamic to the side with ball in hand. Pablo Matera and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe are the flankers for the Pumas, and they will give the Irish no end of trouble at ruck time. Leonardo Senatore starts at 8, and his ball carrying ability will keep Argentina going forward time and time again.

Martin Landajo fends of Tomas Cubelli to start at 9 for Argentina, and he is paired with the skillful Nicolas Sanchez. Sanchez has been in a rich vein of form since the start of the tournament, and his brilliant kicking and good agility means he is a difficult player to stop. Ireland must know that any penalties inside their own half will be punished by Sanchez, and that is a promise. Conor Murray is a great asset for Ireland, and if he plays the game like he did last week, Ireland should be well on their way to a semi-final. Jonathan Sexton is back after his injury scare last week, and that is a huge relief to Ireland fans. Sexton is among the world’s best at 10 right now, and the Pumas must be wary of his ability.

The loss of Marcelo Bosch puts the Pumas in a tough spot, but they have the talent to account for it. Juan Martin Hernandez remains at inside center, and his vision and lethal kicking ability will be a worry for Joe Schmidt. Outside him, young Matias Moroni starts, and he will be tested by this potent Irish center pairing. After an outstanding performance (apart from one blown score) Robbie Henshaw and Keith Earls start once again for Ireland. Henshaw played out of his skin a week ago, and he is likely to be at the center of every Irish attacking play.

Dave Kearney, Tommy Bowe, and Rob Kearney all keep their spots in the side, as Simon Zebo must miss out again. These three were brilliant in defense a week ago, and the French simply could not stop them under the high ball. However, more of the same will be required, as the Pumas back three is a lethal attacking trio as well. Santiago Cordero has been in flying form of late, making it look like he’s at a track meet as he sprints around defenders with ease. Juan Imhoff and Joaquin Tuculet are also devastating attacking players, and any issues with Ireland’s defensive line will be swiftly exploited.

Facundo Isa is a powerful player, and he will add a big edge to the Pumas in that regard, while Tomas Cubelli and Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino are both exciting players that can make a huge impact when they are brought into the game off the bench. Rhys Ruddock, who only entered the camp this week is on the bench for Ireland, which is understandable after his gallant performances in the November Tests against South Africa and Australia. Ian Madigan was brilliant deputizing for Sexton last week, and he and Luke Fitzgerald will certainly lift the pace when they are brought into play.

The sudden arrival of a plague of injuries and suspensions has badly weakened Ireland, but the character shown by the side last week was very impressive. Madigan and Henderson proved that the days of Ireland lacking depth are over, as they led Ireland to the win over France. This Pumas side is waiting in the shadows however, and one misstep by Ireland could spell the end of their World Cup. I suspect that the fight from the Pumas will be great, and they will push Ireland to the ragged edge, but I feel that Ireland have so much momentum right now that they will not allow themselves to fall to Argentina.

Prediction: Ireland 23- Argentina 12