Rugby World Cup 2015 injuries are a leveller but Ireland should still prevail over Argentina

The Welsh injury list may be more substantial, but Ireland’s is surely more critical.

 

Against France, talismanic captain Paul O’Connell was stretchered off, while Johnny Sexton limped from the field of play and remains a doubt for Sunday’s clash with Argentina.

 

The back row looks bare too, with freight-train flanker Sean O’Brien banned, and impressive blindside Peter O’Mahony also crocked.

 

Iain Henderson is expected to shuffle back from the second row, with Donnacha Ryan drafted in as lock.

 

That said, the replacements against the French were impressive. Ian Madigan, in particular, came in for Sexton, dictated play well, and injected pace and invention into the Irish backline.

 

This will be the fourth time these sides have met in a World Cup. In 1999 and 2007, the Pumas earned surprise victories, while in 2003 Ireland won by a whisker.

 

The Irish have won their last five Tests against Argentina and, while the task now looks considerably tougher, I predict they’ll get their sixth on Sunday.

 

During that spell, the Irish have won by an average of 15 points. Injuries are a great leveller, however, and the 6/4 that Sportingbet are offering on Ireland winning by 1-12 points appeals.

 

One thing to note is that both sides – O’Brien’s citing aside – have been well-behaved, with only two yellow cards apiece in all of their games so far.

 

Ireland’s sin-bins were for O’Connell and O’Mahony, neither of whom will feature.

 

Sporting Index have total bookings at 11-14 and I’d recommend a sell.

 

Ireland to win by 1-12 points 6/4 (Sportingbet)

Sell total bookings 11 (Sporting Index)