BEFORE looking forward to what is the crucial game of the autumn series against Argentina tomorrow, it is important to reflect on New Zealand’s brief but electrically-charged visits to Croke Park and Thomond Park over the course of the last week.

Injury-hit Toulouse will have to draw on all their experience to overcome London Irish in the Heineken Cup semi-final at Twickenham on Saturday.

France 10 Argentina 34

France 10 Argentina 34

FRANCE captain Raphael Ibanez insists the stakes remain high going into his side’s World Cup bronze-medal match against Argentina today.

RIMAS ALVAREZ KAIRELIS is confident Argentina will let their rugby do the talking after seeing the hype around the squad reach unprecedented levels following their qualification for the World Cup knockout stages.

Juan Martin Hernandez is back in the Argentina team to play Ireland this Sunday in a crucial World Cup showdown.

Tomas De Vedia insists he is not nervous ahead of his senior debut for Argentina in Saturday’s first Test against Ireland in Santa Fe as others look to press their claims for a place in the World Cup squad.

Tomas De Vedia insists he is not nervous ahead of his senior debut for Argentina in tomorrow’s first Test against Ireland in Santa Fe as others look to press their claims for a place in the World Cup squad.

Toulouse 28 Ulster 13

DEFIANT head coach Andy Robinson has insisted he can handle the pressure after presiding over England’s worst slump for 34 years.

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda has called up 30 players for the forthcoming European tour.

Barnhall Bruiser Trevor Brennan lived up to his abrasive reputation in being listed as one of three Toulouse players cited for foul play in their side's Heineken Cup defeat to Ulster last Saturday.

Argentinian Rugby Union president Alejandro Riesler claims he is “hurt” by the threat of strike action from 59 Pumas players.

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda claims they came close to pulling the plug on their prestigious match with the British & Irish Lions later this month because of mounting frustrations over player availability.

The Argentinian national team have lost three key players for the May 23 duel against the Lions in Cardiff.

The Argentinian national team have lost three key players for the May 23 duel against the Lions in Cardiff.

Northampton 23 Toulouse 21

Leinster will be glad to hear that their Heineken Cup opponents Bourgoin have allowed Augusto Petrilli to join up with Argentina as one of just five overseas based players to make the flight to Buenos Aires for Saturday's international against South Africa.

IF there’s one thing that riles Shane Byrne it’s criticism of Ireland’s front row.

IRELAND'S victory over South Africa and Argentina's win over France provides the perfect backdrop to Saturday's showdown at Lansdowne Road.

Argentina have named an unchanged side to face Ireland following their 24-14 win over Six Nations champions France in Marseille.

Llanelli Scarlets 6 Toulouse 9

Argentinian legend Federico Mendez hopes to prove the theory that as with wine, front-row forwards improve with age when he leaves his vineyard to tackle Wales at Tucuman on Saturday.

AT long last, it’s time for the talking to stop and the real action to begin.

Argentina coaches Marcelo Loffreda and Daniel Baetti have included full-back Ignacio Corleto in the line-up to play Australia in the Rugby World Cup opening match on Friday.

Argentinian coach Marcelo Loffreda had a surprise at Villa Pamphili when he announced the Puma side to play Italy in Rome on Saturday.