Following last Saturday's comprehensive defeat at the hands of the All Blacks, Ireland are faced with a must-win game ahead of this weekend's clash with old foes Argentina. With Scotland losing to the Springboks by only four points last Saturday, Frank Hadden's side are now poised to leap-frog Ireland into the eight and last remaining second-seeded spot for the next World Cup. If Declan Kidney's team fail to win in Croke Park this weekend, then another Group of Death will be waiting for them in New Zealand in 2011. There's much more than national pride at stake for this one.

Given the fierce and bloody history between these two sides over the past decade, Argentina would love nothing more than to confine their bitter rivals to the third tier of World Rugby. The Pumas currently lie fourth in the ranking system and a victory in Dublin would help them to secure their place as a number one seed. There are numerous sub-plots to this forthcoming encounter at GAA headquarters. Unfortunately for the visitors, an untimely injury to talismanic captain Felipe Contepomi has robbed them of their most influential player. The Argentinean playmaker has terrorised this Irish side over the last five years and his absence will leave a huge-gap in the Puma's midfield.

From an Irish perspective, coach Declan Kidney is faced with the unenviable task of resurrecting player morale following that bitterly disappointing defeat to the Kiwis. Ireland were second-best in every facet of play and certain factors will require major reconstruction. The line-out was abysmal from the very beginning. The measly return from this set-play prevented the home side from creating any viable attacking positions. What was once one of the strongest operations in the Northern Hemisphere, it now appears would struggle against a competitive AIL Division I outfit.

Defensive alignment and organisation is another aspect of key concern. Once the Kiwis were able to penetrate the first-line of defence, they had little trouble popping the ball off to willing teammates. Ireland’s inability to suffocate these support-runners was crucial in their downfall. If Argentina are given the same freedom next Saturday, then Brian O'Driscoll's side will be in for a very long afternoon. The final aspect that requires immediate attention is tactical kicking. Ireland were more than happy to surrender possession last weekend in order to improve field position. However, only four kicks in the entire game put any kind of pressure on the Kiwi back three. If the home side persist with this dangerous game of kicking the ball away, precision and timing will need to improve. Otherwise the opposition will once again be gifted the opportunity to attack from anywhere.

Clearly this Irish side is littered with talented individuals throughout the starting fifteen. Unfortunately at present, the national side collectively appear bereft of any mental or physical confidence. The duty to exorcise the ghosts of the previous World Cup seems to hang heavily around their necks. They were bullied for eighty minutes at Croke Park last weekend and measures must be put in place to prevent the Pumas from doing the same this Saturday. Ireland need to dictate the pace of the game from the kick-off. With the likes of Rob Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald and Brian O'Driscoll in the side, the home side should have enough confidence to attack from any field position. Possession and ball-retention will be crucial. If the line-out is currently a little frail, then kicking for field position will yield little in return. The forwards must take the ball on upfront. Once the Irish pack have contained their opposite numbers at the contact-area, the half-backs should have enough space and time to release their explosive three-quarters out-wide. This is a must-win game and Ireland’s experienced players must now stand up and deliver.

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