Ireland could face Pumas again

Ireland could find themselves on a revenge Rugby World Cup mission against Argentina next year.

Ireland, who have still to qualify for the 2003 showpiece, are favourites to fill the tournament's ninth seeding - Europe one.

And that would secure a place in pool A at the finals, alongside reigning world champions Australia and Argentina.

Argentina condemned Ireland to the qualifying programme later this year, after knocking them out after a nailbiting quarter-final play-off clash in Lens, France, three years ago.