Time for the complete performance

The history books show that for all the bitterness and rancour that has developed since the 1990s between Ireland and Argentina, the Pumas have yet to record a victory in Dublin.

Just as the animosity between these teams has subsided, recent events suggest previous meetings will count for very little also when they meet at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon (2pm).

Much has changed since Ireland de-clawed the Pumas with a record 29-9 defeat in the same arena two years ago. Back then, on a cold evening in Dublin, when Felipe Contepomi kicked all his team’s points, Argentina were below strength. Two years on and Contepomi may be absent but Argentinian tails are up. They have depth, a sense of purpose and a spring in their step after becoming battle-hardened by an impressive, albeit losing, introduction to the Rugby Championship.