Stakes are raised as Pumas on the prowl

ARGENTINA have never required extra motivation when facing Ireland but it will be there in abundance on Saturday when the Pumas seek to strengthen their World Cup aspirations and destabilise those of their hosts.

Win in Croke Park and the South Americans may yet pip England to the fourth spot on the IRB ladder and a place among the top tier of seeds ahead of the 2011 draw, which takes place next month.

Such a result would also consign Ireland to the third tier and pool games against two of the game’s heavyweights, as was the case last year when defeats to France and Argentina prevented Eddie O’Sullivan’s side from making the quarter-finals.