Ireland is through to the quarterfinals of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. But they don’t inspire much confidence with a depleted roster. Argentina, meanwhile, seems in form and settled after finishing second in Pool C behind only tournament favorite New Zealand.
It doesn’t get any more important than this matchup. Can Ireland get over their injury problems to advance to the semifinal? Or will Argentina record a big upset to keep its World Cup homes alive?
Argentina is looking pretty much like a world-beater in the Rugby World Cup. Three of Los Pumas players stood out in the Pool Stage. Nicolas Sanchez has scored the third-most points in the tournament with 51 points. Meanwhile, Juan Imhoff and Santiago Cordero each scored the third-most tries (three).
[sc:Other240banner ]Los Pumas were the only ones not thoroughly blown out by New Zealand in the Pool Stage. They lost 26-16, while everyone else was beaten by 33 points or more. Sanchez should have plenty of chances to score in this match. The Irish allowed 12 penalty kicks in the Pool Stage; Sanchez scored on nine in his four matches in the tournament.
Having Sanchez putting points on the board with his kicks should be of big help to Argentina. The Irish have been solid in preventing tries in the tournament, allowing only two in four matches in the Pool Stage.
Argentina is 4-2 in its last six matches.
Betting on Ireland
Ireland is in trouble. Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien will miss the quarterfinal matchup against Argentina after being suspended for a week for admitting he punched a French player in the early stages of last Sunday’s World Cup Pool Stage match. O’ Brien currently ranks second in the tournament with the most carries over the gain line (29). Keith Earls is the next Irishman behind him with 20 carries, 12th in the league—a steep step back.
Ireland is already missing team captain Paul O’Connell to a hamstring injury. Peter O’Mahony is also out due to injury, while fly-half Johnny Sexton is a doubt for this match. Sexton ranks 13th in the tournament with 31 points scored.
The Irish will likely turn to Rob Kearney to help carry the team after scoring two tries in the Pool Stage. He’ll have some support from Tommy Bowe who also scored on two tries. Earls should also factor in the game after scoring three tries in the Pool Stage. Ian Madigan could also put some points on the board after going 4 for 4 on penalty kicks in the Pool Stage. He also had 5 of 7 conversions.
Ireland is 7-2 in its last nine matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Argentina (+5.5) springs the upset to make the World Cup semifinals. Create a betting account now and get the best action rugby can give in the World Cup.
