Pumas pumped up for ranking points showdown

IRELAND team manager Paul McNaughton predicts the chase for world ranking points will make Argentina more formidable than ever.

The Pumas are desperate to retain fourth place in the International Rugby Board Rankings to ensure they enter the World Cup draw among the top four seeds.

Fifth-placed England, who have Tests against South Africa and New Zealand remaining this month, could yet overhaul them in time for the draw on December 1. Victory over Ireland would strengthen Argentina’s position and McNaughton knows the stakes at Croke Park will fire up the Pumas.