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

Argentina named superstar scrum-half and captain Agustin Pichot to play in the crucial pool match against Ireland in Adelaide on Sunday, even though the Stade Francais star was unable to train at all on Friday.

Ireland captain and hooker Keith Wood is shutting out talk of defeat in the past and retirement in the future to focus on the fierce personal battle he faces in the World Cup pool match against Argentina in Adelaide on Sunday.

WALLABIES wonderboy Stephen Larkham is about to jump on Jonny Wilkinson’s status as the world’s best fly-half.

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda has backed Clive Woodward’s claim that Australia are bending the rules in their use of decoy runners.

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.

Leeds face a mission improbable against Zurich Premiership wild card opponents Saracens tomorrow in what should be their last game of an impressive season.

Saracens 57 Leeds 21

Leeds director of rugby Phil Davies last night revealed the Tykes have made several new signings who should fill the void left by Braam van Straaten’s departure at the end of the season.

IRISH rugby has experienced more than its fair share of low points. Forget a dark night of the soul, the men in green have been through enough black moments to put them back to back and form an annus horribilis.

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

THE Wallabies arrive in Ireland today bolstered by replacements, winger Mark Bartholomeusz and hooker Brendan Cannon, after taking a battering in their 17-6 win over Argentina in the opening rugby international of their four-match tour.

Irish winger Daren O'Leary is the latest target for Gloucester boss Philippe Saint-Andre.