Ireland came through their first real test of the World Cup against France with aplomb, sweeping aside what was previously a bogey team of theirs with precision. But victory came at a high price, with injuries and a ban to key players leaving them with a much changed team this weekend.

And there is no doubt that this will be a significant step up from the rabble that is this incarnation of the French rugby team. Argentina gave New Zealand a bloody nose on opening weekend before fading in the final 20, but have progressed serenely through their group since then, racking up more points than any other side.

ARGENTINA

Los Pumas recall all of their heavy-hitters after many were rested for the 60 point romp against Namibia in their final group game. Marcos Ayerza, Agustín Creevy and Ramiro Herrera form one of the mightiest front-rows around, and aided by the beefy Guido Petty and Tomas Lavanini, they will give Ireland’s set piece and maul a stern examination.

Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe seems to be ageless and continues to churn out sublime performances, alongside youngster Pablo Matera and Leonardo Senatore, whose ball-carrying has been a revelation.

In the backs Matias Moroni is rewarded for some brilliantly exciting bursts with the number 13 shirt in the absence of Marcelo Bosch, and his battle with Keith Earls is going to be massively exciting to watch. Inside him, Argentina have two fine playmakers in Nico Sanchez and Juan Martín Hernández.

The back three can expect a test of their mettle with Ireland unlikely to deviate from the kick-heavy game-plan, but in Juan Imhoff and Joaquín Tuculet, they have two players that are safe under the high ball. The diminutive Santiago Cordero might be less so, but give him time and space with the ball, and he will make Ireland pay.

One to watch: Pablo Matera

Matera appears to be rediscovering the kind of form that had several top clubs across Europe coveting his services not too long ago. His eventual stint at Leicester was ravaged by injury, but having had a clean run in the side his confidence is back. Given how crucial the breakdown battle is, Matera will fancy his chances against an Ireland back-row shorn of leading lights Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien.

IRELAND

It’s backs against the wall time for Ireland, who have lost three of not only their best players to injury and suspension, but three of their most experienced leaders. Paul O’Connell’s spirit will live on in the team, but Sean O’Brien’s influence in the loose and Peter O’Mahony’s at the breakdown will be hard to replicate.

And while the men tasked with doing so – Chris Henry and Jordi Murphy – may well be a slight step down in quality, there is no need to panic for Ireland fans. This team is built around Joe Schmidt’s systems, based on everyone knowing what role they play whether they are starting or not. It means that Henry and Murphy, who have both enjoyed stints as first choice in the recent past, should slot in to the game plan seamlessly.

Another immensely strong point of this Ireland team is the leadership across the park – while O’Connell is a huge loss, the likes of Rory Best, Jamie Heaslip and Johnny Sexton are all immensely experienced and will step into the leadership void.

Sexton and Murray will again bombard the airways with garryowens early on, while Robbie Henshaw’s delightful running lines against France will be most welcome again to Ireland fans this weekend .

One to watch: Iain Henderson

It is no overstatement to say that Henderson is well on his way to becoming one of the best locks in the world. He has been groomed as O’Connell’s successor for some time, and although the transition has come sooner than planned, the Ulster second row is more than ready. He is so powerful that his influence at the ruck and maul can be huge – see the way he single-handedly beasted a French maul last weekend for proof. Add in a surprising offloading ability, and you have an incredibly valuable player.

PREDICTION

A year ago this looked like a bit of a gimme for Ireland – they have an excellent record against the Pumas and the South Americans were still in the ‘plucky’ stage of their development. Of course, a year ago the Springboks and Wallabies both had excellent records against Argentina, too, but have since been felled by a team that can no longer be considered a cut below the best.

Ireland will still enter the game as favourites, but given their losses to injury and suspension the game has become a lot tighter. Schmidt will have a plan to tackle Argentina’s threats, and you can bet that if Ireland have their noses ahead come sixty minutes, they will close out the game comfortably. Argentina’s best bet is to roar out of the blocks and get a decent lead, forcing Ireland to chase the game and out of their comfort zone in the process.

Simply put, however, this Ireland squad has been too well-drilled for anyone to look like they can put get a sizeable lead up. As good as Argentina are, and as close as this game could well be, Joe Schmidt’s Ireland look made for knockout rugby. Ireland by 6.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images