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.

THOSE who complained that this World Cup lacked drama got their answer yesterday. It is typical of the Irish that they should provide it.

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

Argentina 50 Romania 3

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda has again blasted the World Cup organising committee.

Romanian skipper Romeo Gontineac has admitted his team must get their heads sorted if they are to stand any chance of shocking Argentina at Aussie Stadium tomorrow.

The game of rugby has changed drastically since the door of professionalism was swung open in 1995. But some traditions still remain and Namibian coach Dave Waterstone was observing one as he came to terms with his side’s 67-14 World Cup hammering by Argentina in Gosford.

World Cup outsiders Namibia raised the roof at Gosford tonight with a defiant performance against highly-rated Argentina.

Argentina captain Agustin Pichot would not be surprised to see Australia lift the World Cup in Sydney next month.

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.

IN losing captain Lisandro Arbizu to injury Argentina will be without their most symbolic player for the Rugby World Cup.

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.