O’Sullivan expects stern test from Pumas
O'Sullivan is in favour of any move to challenge three of the superpowers of world rugby, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
"It would be very boring to see the same teams contesting the semi-finals of the World Cup into the future. I would like to see Argentina, and it would be very interesting, going out there in a competitive atmosphere, home and away, looking for the full bag of chips."
O'Sullivan hopes that the Pumas haven't peaked just yet in advance of today's Test at Lansdowne Road.
The Irish coach is well aware of the danger that Argentina pose, following last week's demolition of France. It's something O'Sullivan would term a wake-up call for the rest of the rugby world and particularly for Ireland.
Argentina not only beat France to demolish a proud 55-year-old record at Marseille but it was their fourth victory on the trot against Les Bleus, and one that was rarely in doubt.
"From the word go, Argentina looked to have a clear picture as to how they wanted to play. It was a masterful performance from every point of view. They won good possession and they showed a great ability to retain it. They're playing the kind of game they're happy to play and it will be a huge test for us, no doubt."
Although Argentina had four amateur players in their back division last week, O'Sullivan dismissed any suggestion that Ireland would be treating them lightly.
"They didn't appear to do that badly against France and that's something we have taken note of. The tactics against France in bad conditions were superb.
"They played to their strengths and obviously had done the homework on the French. A lot of the Argentinean players are with French clubs, and so they must have known exactly where and whom to attack."
It might be a bit different today but O'Sullivan is well aware that Felipe Contepomi could be an ace card in Argentina's deck.
"His performance will be an interesting aspect of the game. He knows our style better than most and knows the guys he is up against as well."
Ireland's clashes against the Pumas over the last five years have all proven to be memorable occasions.
After being dumped out of the 1999 World Cup by the Argentineans, Ireland hit back with a narrow victory to reach the quarter-finals last year.
Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll described it as the most draining match in which he has ever been involved.
"I can't ever remember a match like it. It was not the most memorable game, not one you could look back on and say was a classic, but it was exciting and very frightening all at the same time," he said.
"The pressure won't be the same now because there is no World Cup quarter-final place at stake but it's very important from the development point of view in Irish rugby, just as it is from their perspective I'm sure. That will make it very interesting.
"After two wins in two very different games over South Africa and the USA, this will be another challenge for us."
The good news for Ireland is that Johnny O'Connor was yesterday given a clean bill of health and will take his place in the side.
Reserves Guy Easterby and David Humphreys will also take their places on the bench.
"The guys are fine and David was back kicking goals today so everything is ok in the camp," said O'Sullivan.
The biggest worry, however, is the weather, with O'Sullivan admitting: "It appears we could be playing in monsoon conditions and if that's the case we will have to make adjustments to our game plan.
"However, that's not something we can dwell upon. It's the same pitch, the same ball for both teams and we will have to adapt as best we can to whatever conditions are there. There won't be any excuses on that front if it goes wrong."
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