Nov 16,2024
I've been really impressed with Argentina, both throughout the Rugby Championship and indeed in their tour to date.
Since Felipe Contempomi came on board, initially as assistant coach with Michael Cheika and now as the head man, they've really expanded the way they play.
The quality of their attack, Juan Cruz Mallía and Rodrigo Isgró in their back three, have been outstanding.
They scored 67 points against an Australian team that beat England in Twickenham last week. They scored 50 points and seven tries against Italy, who if you remember, had a very decent Six Nations.
So from an attacking perspective, Ireland are going to have their hands full.
I do (expect Ireland to win). But as everything, you go back to last week, Ireland never really got out of the blocks.
They were beaten in the physical exchanges, their discipline was poor, their breakdown work was poor.
I think they're three areas they will look to impress on. They have to get that right.
The back row battle for me is going to be huge. Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris and (Josh) van der Flier against (Pablo) Matera, (Juan Martin) Gonzalez and (Joaquin) Oviedo.
And it's a big night too for two young players on the bench. We're crying out for young props to come through and Thomas Clarkson was a star for Ireland at Under-20 level.
And Sam Prendergast, since Johnny Sexton retired, Jack Crowley has had the full run at the number 10 shirt. The one who's going to put him under most pressure I think is Sam Prendergast.
I expect both of those to get their first caps off the bench tonight and I do expect Ireland to get over the line.
I think it could be a really entertaining contest but Ireland have to knuckle down and I think they'll just about get over the line.
