Nov 15,2024
Bernard Jackman is backing Andy Farrell to get a positive response out of his players this week, but has warned that Ireland will need to be close to their best to defeat an exciting Argentina team on Friday night.
Ireland haven't lost back-to-back games since February 2021, but come into this week’s Test on the back of a confidence-rattling 23-13 defeat to New Zealand last week.
Opponents Argentina have struggled for consistency this year, but have shown themselves more than capable of one-off performances, with wins over South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France and Italy helping them climb up to fifth in the world rankings.
While Los Pumas have never won against Ireland in Dublin, they have traditionally been known for bringing a fearsome scrum on tour, but that perception has changed dramatically in recent seasons, with Argentina now one of the most exciting attacking teams around.
"[Thomas] Gallo is a very good ball-carrier, [Julian] Montoya is a very good set-piece hooker, [Joel] Sclavi, he’s not an amazing tighthead. The whole focus has gone away and has for three or four years, on that forward-dominated game where set-piece is massive.
"Their lineout maul isn't great, but their attack is spectacular. It’s probably one of the most pleasing attacks on the eye."
Now coached by former Leinster out-half and assistant coach Felipe Contepomi, Argentina’s layered and fast-paced attack is catching the eye.
"Felipe Contepomi has a big say in attack, but he went and got a guy called Kendrick Lynn who worked in Lyon and together they’re creating some set-piece launch, which is very detailed, very efficient in how it runs," he said.
"Their phase-attack, and philosophy around when to run, when to kick is very smart.
"Felipe – the player – was a maverick and a genius. I know at Leinster they couldn't believe the Felipe that came back [as a coach], he was very serious, very process-driven, and not much emotion in his coaching at all, which wasn't how he was as a player.
"What he’s done is he’s served his time under some very good head coaches in Stuart [Lancaster] and Leo [Cullen] and then he worked back in Argentina with [Michael] Cheika, and now he’s taken it on himself and put together a very good staff."
Ireland were 53-7 winners when the sides last met in November 2021, but Farrell’s squad selection this week shows little signs of complacency, with just one change from last week’s defeat to the All Blacks, as Robbie Henshaw comes in for Bundee Aki.
And while Jackman is just about leaning towards an Ireland win, he insists that anything less than their best will leave the door open for the South Americans to pull off a famous win.
He said: "It was such a drop-off in performance level and I think you’re seeing a reaction to that in his squad selection for tomorrow. There has been a reaction.
"He’s still showing loyalty to some players, but he has moved things around a bit, given people opportunities, and that’s what’s needed. You have to take your opportunities at Test level.
"Unfortunately, some poor performances, even off the bench, has cost some people dearly.
"You have to trust them to get back, but it doesn't necessarily mean they’re going to win.
"I think that defeat puts question marks around the team at the moment and they are a very resilient team and show a lot of character, and will bounce back up, but I think we have to be eight or nine out of ten to win. That’s the big challenge.
"I’m not confident. I think we’ll win but I’m not confident."
