Ireland warned not to underestimate Pumas roar

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has told his side they must repeat their heroics against South Africa if they are to overcome Argentina on Saturday.

The Pumas caused a major upset three days ago when they sent France crashing to their first-ever defeat at the Stade Velodrome with an impressive 24-14 victory over the Grand Slam champions.

It has served Ireland – who defeated the Springboks 17-12 in their opening autumn international – with a timely reminder there can be no room for complacency if they are to prevent the tourists claiming another major scalp.

“Argentina are right up there with South Africa in terms of the challenge they offer. We always understood that and knew they would not be an easy side to play against,” said O’Sullivan.

“We’ve played them in wet and dry conditions over the last two years and they were very difficult games. They’ve proved they can mix it with any side in any conditions. The fact they’ve been knocking off the big boys for a while proves that.

“It’s hard to win in France so you must respect Saturday’s result. It wasn’t an accident – it was a comprehensive victory. France had a very strong side on the field and were playing in a stadium where they have a fantastic record.

“But they got turned over by a great performance. I believe France were a little bit shocked but they weren’t the better team on the day – Argentina were.”

Such is the challenge presented by Argentina that O’Sullivan has re-selected the team who registered only Ireland’s second victory over South Africa, making eight changes to the side which thrashed the United States 55-6 last Saturday.

Jonny O’Connor is back at openside for his second cap, keeping Denis Leamy - who impressed against the Eagles – out of the squad, although the Wasps flanker’s inclusion is subject to a fitness test.

O’Sullivan said: “O’Connor has a knee injury. He picked up a knock in training yesterday but his recovery has been good and we expect him to be fit for Saturday. We will make the final decision on Thursday.”

O’Connor enjoyed a fine Test debut against South Africa and his loss would be keenly felt by the Triple Crown winners, who will hand either Eric Miller or Leamy the number seven shirt if he fails to recover.

Five of the threequarter line are supplied by Leinster with the midfield partnership of Brian O’Driscoll and Shane Horgan linking up once again following their outstanding display against the Tri-Nations champions.

Munster’s Ronan O’Gara and Peter Stringer take the half-back duties – they were on the bench on Saturday – while Leicester star Geordan Murphy is switched from full-back to right wing.

Three other members of the squad are carrying slight knocks but O’Sullivan is confident they will be given the all-clear to face an Argentina side full of confidence after their victory over France.

He said: “Guy Easterby took a knock on the knee against the USA but is back today. David Humphreys has a groin strain but has been in good form during training this morning.

“Stringer had a tight back which only surfaced on Sunday but that has already cleared up.”