Ireland meet Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in need of a win to bolster their chances of remaining in the IRB Top Eight ahead of the 2015 World Cup draw.

But the Pumas are incredibly difficult opponents particularly given the circumstances.

Matches between the two sides are often tight, physical and decided on the finest of margins.

In 12 test matches Ireland has won seven, while Argentina has won the other five – most notably a 28 – 24 victory at the 1999 Rugby World Cup which knocked the Irish out and repeating the trick in the 2007 tournament.

With very little margin for error, the injuries to experienced campaigners such as Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell, Rory Best, Rob Kearney and Stephen Ferris could not have come at a worse time.

Battle-hardened

And Declan Kidney’s case is not helped by the fact that Ireland are facing an even more battle-hardened Argentina. 

The South Americans took part in the inaugural Rugby Championship against South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and acquitted themselves well despite losing five of their six matches.

In years gone by they would have arrived at this time of year, not having faced much top level teams.

But when the Pumas face Ireland they will have played up to a dozen test matches in 2012, including an impressive 26 – 12 victory of Wales in Cardiff.

They have also added an extra layer of guile to their battling qualities as they look for a first test win in Dublin.

The other problem for Kidney is that his injury-depleted side are in transition. 

There are a few youngsters like Ulster’s Craig Gilroy who impressed against Fiji but whether they are ready to step in to the breach in a crunch encounter represents a substantial risk.

However Kidney has given Gilroy a vote of confidence and the winger starts today.

Rankings

A win for Ireland would send Kidney’s team up to sixth in the IRB World Rankings, leapfrogging Argentina.

But defeat would have unwelcome consequences with the results in other fixtures coming to the fore.

Samoa, Wales, Scotland and Italy all have a chance of rising above Ireland into the coveted top eight.

If Ireland lose to Argentina,  they could fall behind Samoa. And if Scotland beat Tonga by more than 15 points with Ireland losing, then they will also climb above the Irish.

Wales will most likely also climb above Ireland. 

The action gets underway at 2pm.

 

©INPHO/Billy Stickland