A GOOD start, maintain the tempo, control the football, be accurate and disciplined and don’t be intimidated by a partisan crowd – these will be some of Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan orders to his team as the first of two “trials” ahead of Rugby World Cup 2007 kicks off at the Estadio Brigadier Estanislao Lopez del Barrio Centenario in Santa Fe later today (kick off 8:10pm Irish time).

LEINSTER fly-half Felipe Contepomi will captain Argentina in the first test against Ireland in Santa Fe on Saturday.

Prop Pablo Federico Cardinali has been called up to Argentina’s 22-man squad for the two Test series against Ireland after Pablo Gambarini was forced to withdraw through injury.

SHANE HORGAN accepts the chances of Leinster stealing the Celtic League title tonight are slim but, whatever the outcome, the winger is determined that he will leave for New Zealand next month with no regrets.

COACH Mark McCall is looking for Ulster to continue their good away form in the Celtic League when they tackle Edinburgh at Murrayfield tonight (ko 7.30).