Ireland v Argentina Rugby Union

What colour sums up the murder of northern hemisphere rugby this

They made far too many mistakes and They have lost 21-10 against South

Africa... All that southern- hemisphere talent leaving us green

with envy. South Africa have beaten For the damsons in distress, things

are far from all-white. England come back down to earth with much

to ponder with the Springboks and the All Blacks to come... Red faces

It is going to be a try in the Once again some are are celebrating

in Cardiff, it is all going It is not really All Black, though,

is it? Oh, yes, it is! New Zealand so good, the All Blacks so strong.

You cannot give them half an inch. They score from positions you think

they should not. They are unstoppable, the All Blacks have

returned with all their tricks. Lovely ball, lovely try! It is too

easy! What a performance from the best rugby-playing country in the

A kaleidoscope of colours on the greyest of days. Green and light

blue to begin with, six hours of rugby on the BBC Today, Ireland

against Argentina, one of the biggest rivalries in the game. K

khakis in 25 minutes. And history is against Wales in Cardiff, 55

years since their solitary triumph against the All Blacks. They are

the world champions and they are playing like it. What then live

just after five on BBC Two. And an expected slip up against the

Wallabies means the match for England against South Africa is a

must win, all the best bits on BBC Three at 7 o'clock this evening. We

are here in Cardiff under the roof, a week when the whole nation was

under the roof, and these are the six matches taking place of real

significance in terms of the world The Scotland match his live on BBC

Our first live-action will be from Dublin, the Aviva Stadium, so many

close battles over the years between Ireland and Argentina,

group games and knockout games, and today ranking points are at stake

as well, but there is a suspicion that Argentina, having been part of

the southern hemisphere championship for the first time,

are a different proposition now. Only France have beaten Argentina

and Australia so far from the northern hemisphere nations.

Keyboard, Jeremy Guscott, are we downhearted? The expectation has

been high, the delivery has been very poor. The day England were

always going to beat Fiji. Given the weaknesses of Australia, they

should have won that game. Wales downhearted, Ireland could be

better. The mood is blue, yeah. Is there one overall lesson from the

first two weeks? The first lesson is that New Zealand are head and

shoulders above everybody else. The other teams, Australia and South

Africa, even though they are not playing well, they are still

beating as, and we need to break that cycle. It is worth repeating

how the World Cup draw works, it is being made Monday week after the

final round of matches next weekend. The top four teams will avoid each

other when it comes to the World groups in the World Cup in 2015,

which is taking place in England. Team's 5-8 will find themselves in

the groups that the top four are in. If you find yourself 9th or 10th,

you are going to find yourself in a England, first of all, playing the

Springboks today, if we look in more detail at the match against

Australia, where did it go wrong? think we have to understand it is

an inexperienced side, and it is not going to get experienced

that they take good penalties, we know Manu Tuilagi is one of the

biggest threats, but what I personally would love to see from

England is more of an attitude to attack. They seemed very content to

sit back, make the tackles, have a bigger say in that area of the game,

and still continue to arm wrestle sides when you need to advance and

develop that way. Toby Flood is standing flat. Yes, we have two the

centres whom are one-dimensional, but Manu Tuilagi is difficult to

stop, he has only got two-step off the line a little bit and run at

the line. It is England being ineffective in that area, that is

Scotland's here, so what has happened? They showed great signs,

but since then they got bullied, to be honest, by New Zealand, and then

absolutely bullied by a South African team that were not playing

particularly well but who knew how to score and put pressure on.

Scotland are just erratic. Their skill level at times really let

them down. You can see Strauss cantering in, because they are

trying to force it. Their skills let them down, five yards from the

line. They are making it really hard for themselves, and yet they

are not that far away from getting a couple of big victories.

sorts of angst in the paper here this morning about the Welsh team,

having lost to Argentina and Samoa, but one newspaper saying that a

dose of realism is required, and the Welsh team which won the Grand

Slam, maybe that is a team which is over performing and we have

expected too much of them. It is over performing in the sense of the

regions in the Heineken Cup, in particular, but as individuals,

certainly at the start of this autumn's series they are

underperforming. As individuals, you stick those individuals in any

other team, they will still be world class, because their talent

and skill is at that level. My thought is that mentally they have

not been able to get themselves up to those levels again physically.

The preparation has been better than they have ever had. It falls

down to those top two in shares that they have not been able to get

themselves up for these matches. -- two ensues. How big is this game

for the Irish? Absolutely colossal, they have had a shocking 12 months,

but their performances have been the biggest problem. He wants to

win, but it is ebbing away from them at the moment. There seems to

be a lack of energy, and they needed, and this is a team that was

always based on energy. Is it because it has heard the same thing

from the same coaching panel for too long? It has not had a huge

amount of change. There has been changes in the last year, but they

have been bringing substitutes on, rather than flesh blood. There is a

little bit of fresh blood today. Here is Declan Kidney's thoughts

Ireland have played some big matches during your tenure as coach,

how significant is this one? There is a lot at stake. There is with

the ranking points, everybody is aware of that, particularly with

the warm-up games for the last World Cup. Every time you put on

the green jersey, it is a huge occasion, and because of the way

the boys apply themselves, they want to play as well as they can.

They cannot put more pressure on themselves. This group has been

exceptional in its preparation, it is a new group, and I'm looking

forward to seeing them play. Obviously wanting to get the year

round at off with a win, it has not been a vintage year. No, there has

been inconsistency right throughout it, hugely challenging for lots of

different reasons. In New Zealand, that did not go away, South Africa

slipped away from us in the first half, and that is what today is

about, bringing the performance together. You feel the pressure?

The newspapers have been looking ahead to next year with your

contract being up. I have been too busy getting ready for this match.

Every day in his job is a brilliant day. We are just looking forward to

this game, really looking forward to it. They are wrestles with

Argentina over the years, you can expect a physical match, but they

have been playing a different brand of rugby on this tour. Have you

been looking at that? They have got some very talented backs with a lot

of speed, they can play a different type of game, compared to other

Argentines we have played in the past, they can play a different

game. We will be under pressure to measure up to their physicality,

but we have to be smart enough to know that they cannot split the

ball, and it will be a real Test match. A quick word on Craig Gilroy,

coming in full of confidence. he has managed everything thrown at

him so far this week, two young guys in the back three, we are

looking forward to seeing them play. It has not been a vintage year for

Ireland, which means, as rugby inexorably goes down the path of

football, everyone asks questions after that dramatic second Test,

then not the best Six Nations. So what is your overview of the Irish

national team? The regions are still doing very well. My overview

is that they have not really made the changes that they are fat to

make, but it has been forced by injury. So reactive, not proactive.

It has put a little bit of pressure on some of the guys that come in,

then, because some of the energy level of the older guys, four names

there, Tommy Bowe, Heaslip, Sexton, the senior guys. They are maybe

missing their five or six best players, but most of them will be

gone in the next year or two anyway. These guys need to deliver hugely,

and they have not taken the step up that they needed to. Young guys are

coming in, but you are trying to get a balance, holding on to the

quality that you have had, teams that have delivered, maybe not as

well as he would have liked, but you need to make that transition,

and they have not made the transition, because it has not been

Is this not the perennial dilemma of all teams, planning for the

future and living in the present? You have to do both, but the play

is there in the moment, not looking ahead. For Ireland, I have never

been able to understand how they are capable of playing incredibly

well for the regions, the provincial teams, but they cannot

do it in the green jersey. As a player, you take your own

responsibility of how you want to play. It is incredible watching the

new guys coming to these set-ups, no baggage, not brainwashed, and

they play the game for the reasons that they have been selected. They

do not play to any structure or plans, if they see a chance to

counter-attack, Tommy Bowe on his shoulder, or he kicks it.

exciting man at full-back, an exciting prospect on the left wing

Craig Gilroy outside him, a fine interception, and Ireland cut loose.

Beautiful running, it is a question of pace. Craig Gilroy escapes the

last tackle! And the Ulsterman He rarely sees the opportunity last

weekend? -- he really seized the opportunity. Yes. But his chaser,

which is on the Ireland need to do. The previous week in Dublin there

didn't seem to be any other big chances. His work grid off the ball

was fantastic. It is a great tactic to be put in in the box kicks...

But-just saying, we are going back to your point of energy. -- but I

am just saying. If you love playing but you have not been fully

conditioned into playing, by the time these guys get to the 24, 25,

the spark has diminished. Argentina? We have analysed them

and talked about the grunt and grind but there is a bit more to

them than that? Given the opportunity they have exploited,

they have done incredibly well. The offload that New Zealand do so much

of, they take it in their stride and continue. Looking at the

rankings, who would have thought Argentina would be ranked 6th? I

never would have thought that would happen, not for a long time, but it

just shows if you play in the Rugby Championship, you grow and learn,

and it has been fantastic. And here in Cardiff, they won with some

it! Great tackle. What a tackle that is! Perfectly intact! Fabulous

stuff... This is going to be a try Well, somebody missing today

because of injury. He has been talking to jail. I am sure you are

pleased to be back in Dublin but you would be much rather play in?

The knee was unlucky but at some point, I have been lucky because I

do not need surgery and that my age that is very important. It is a few

months to recover with the posterior ligament and hopefully it

will all come back pretty good. impressed have you been by the way

Argentina has played on this tour and how much would you have liked

to have been part of that back line? He a think we are in a point

where the Rugby Championship gave us some time off work. It makes

things easier. Before, we only had three weeks -- six weeks, but now

we have three months and after three weeks we come to the autumn

series so now we gives us a lot of confidence and it is much easier to

work like that. And, yeah, it is exciting to be like that with your

team proposing and because of the time off work we have been having

quality players and good young guys coming through. Hopefully we will

have that brigadiers -- a good few years. I would love to be in Dublin

at least when Argentina beat them for the first time! Had the lead

today is the day! Thank you. Enjoy the games. Last weekend, they went

down 39 and a -- 39 and a half at - to be dangerous. We have just seen

Bosch there. Any other top team would be afraid of making a move

and scoring a try of that calibre. Their trademark at this stage is

the pass out. We just don't see enough of the runners at this time.

These are live pictures now from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Also

worth saying that for the international game, Argentina are

serious contenders. Absolutely. They have struggled, even in the

World Cups and that third level puts you in a position where you

have to played several matches a few weeks apart but you don't in

the top two. They have always complained about it. But now they

are playing against really good teams all the time and you can see

there are coming a bit more structured, kicking a bit less and

they are fantastic. So has Christmas come early for the Irish?

I am not sure. I quite fancy Argentina. He even though they lost

to France I think their ambition, their youngsters, as we talked

about, they're absolutely loving it and I think they cannot wait for

this game. I don't know they are now as much pressure. They are

slightly liberated and they have been allowed to play. It did not

work against France, but still. It makes them really tough. Ireland

have never lost to Argentina here but it is a big day for him.

Jonathan Sexton. I think Ireland might win by a couple of points but

it is that close. It is inevitable, when any team is having a

disappointing run, people stop pointing fingers at the coaching

panel and the manager and everything else. -- beagle start.

How much pressure is Declan Kidney under? I don't think it is knee-

jerk. Ireland have got used to the idea of doing well. And they have

not done so recently. The expectation Countrywide is that

these need to be delivering a presented to the teams. Kidney is

under pressure because the sides play so well. Ulster has played so

well, nine games this year. But you have to pick on form. He everybody

is crying out for it and we have seen the impact. I remember the

impact when Ashton Johnson was captain. It gives teens a fresh

start, which they clearly need. think this could be very narrow.

One score in it. It is, for Ireland, the hardest game to play. They

difference being, that if Ireland go out and play, if they roll the

guys they could easily win comfortably. -- the dice. It is the

weight of expectation. Nobody gives Argentina the respect they deserve.

The players do but nobody else does. It is incredibly difficult but the

weight, the heavy hitting, the contact, ball or no ball, it

doesn't matter. You can see the tension and the energy ebbing away.

I found them to be the most difficult to play against. I would

like to see it played with a bit more enthusiasm. Henderson played

last week and he is very young. He is the future, at 20, 21 years of

age. It will be an intriguing afternoon, and an intriguing

weekend of rugby. This is the third of four in this international

series. Don't forget - Wales against New Zealand at just after

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 267 seconds

glamourous series of internationals but Ireland but one of their most

important matches. These two have a fierce uncompetitive history and

after that last match against South Africa we almost have the same side.

While it is sure to be a hardy test, a thing in Ireland's favour could

be the typical unit. The one change to the side comes in the backside,

with Craig Gilroy. For Argentina, no more the unholy Trinity. The

Pumas lack a much tighter line up. Hernandez returns from injury at

fullback. And a cut for Imhoff on the wing. -- and look out for. Also

lookout for young Henderson, the latest live side talent to come out

of Ulster. 125 caps and counting. The referee today, Jaco Peyper. And

Philip Matthews alongside me. They have been touching upon it, the

closeness of these matches, and this one looks that way as well.

For in the past, Argentina have not had as much as into it -- as much

international rugby as Ireland and macro. It has forced them to play a

wider game. They have been accused of being slightly one-dimensional

but now a different context and many people here did in Argentina

with apprehension. Ireland would be delighted with a win today. This is

a critical match for that tournament three years from now,

because this could settle the fate of the draw. And, Jonathan Sexton,

a big match for him, gets things Landajo, interesting that they have

opted for the scrum. There is a little bit of weakness in the

Argentinian line, they lost half-a- dozen to France, and that is where

the first scrum, a roar from the home crowd, and the first

Argentinian adventure into the He was a little bit dismayed that

he was penalised, Peter O'Mahony. sorry, I do not see what is wrong

with that. He must have seen something. It is going to be a punt

at goal for Nicolas Sanchez, he scored against France. Yes, he is

dangerous, Sanchez, very much in the Argentinian mould, a very good

and take the drop goal opportunity, and that is something Jonathan

Sexton is going to have to think Sexton. That is a far tidier kick

from the stand-off. That gives Ireland a chance to put a bit of

pressure on his Argentinian throne. They really want to get in their

face. I detect a little bit of weakness in this part of the set

piece. Argentina would traditionally have had very strong

set pieces, but I think they are slightly vulnerable. They do not

have an aggressive scrum, just trouble. Beautifully taken by

crowd, it was an advantage spotted by the touch judge. So Ireland have

think. Yes, back they come for that penalty for the high tackle on

Murray by Leguizamon. Yes, Ireland going through the phases there,

they have to be careful that they do not go through the phases as

individuals. Argentina putting two or three men into the tackle. That

is the line-out that bunker and Ryan stole. That is putting Eusebio

Guinazu under pressure. Creevy's throwing was a bit suspect as well.

It is not an area of confidence for Argentina. A bit too far for goal,

says Sexton finds touch just Irish forwards to this line-out.

What they want to do is get the ball quickly without giving

one, a free kick to Ireland. Yes, too much of a delay there for my

liking. They are going to opt for the scrum. Interesting that they

felt, perhaps, they were getting on quite well in that first scrum.

Well, there was not much movement, looking at Cian Healy, he was not

fairly seriously knocked as well. Ireland attack the against 14 men

man down, he of loads to Strauss have the scrum. Jonathan Sexton

doing one of his trademark runarounds there, but I think Simon

Zebo was expecting that. He just overran a bit, not expecting the

ball. Enterprise, though, from Ireland early on, which is good to

see, they are going to have to vary the game. They have got an edge in

the line-out, and they need to take territory from that. There was not

a huge amount of enterprise against South Africa. I suppose Argentina

and South Africa of a similar type of challenge. If anything,

certainly in the past, very physical, very muscular up front,

but Argentina are relying less exclusively on their pack, more on

the kicking game of Hernandez. They have added that third dimension,

getting width on the ball. First cap for Craig Gilroy, but he has

appeared in two games against the Barbarians and Fiji last week,

where he scored three tries, displacing his team-mate at Ulster,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 267 seconds

half with Paulin and. Ireland with coming in at the side. They will

same thing, albeit that Jonathan Sexton has a choice to make as to

whether he feels that is within his range. Ryan is a man who was a

fixture now in his side. A lot of people think he should have been a

few seasons before. I would be one of those people, particularly after

his display against New Zealand, one of the stand-out players,

particularly in the line-out, and he has already shown that today

with one steel to his name. Sexton before. Yeah, Ireland, world class

players, one of them were the Paul O'Connell, but in that area, the

partnership with McCarthy looks like a developing partnership, and

I think they probably made up for the loss. Difficult to make up for

somebody like Bryan O'Driscoll, but in terms of the second row,

scoring, he is in for his first try on his first cap, he has done it

again! They will want to give that level of pressure on, because that

is world class play, but that was so well taken. You could see that

Ireland were setting up for that, but he had so much work to do,

beaten four players. That is a young man on top of his game,

exactly what Keith Wood was talking about, giving the young men a game,

and he has started where he left off against Fiji. That is exactly

the start Ireland would have wanted. What a start to a full

international create for Craig Gilroy. -- career. He backs his

movement up with pace as well, an excellent start. They have looked

promising. Again, many people have talked about the conservatism in

the selection, finally Gilroy gets his chance to justify that by doing

that in the opening 11 minutes. 12 minutes gone, Ireland are seven

points in front, two from Jonathan Sexton, five from that man, Craig

Gilroy. Exactly what Ireland wanted to do, not the Argentinian

confidence. He brings that line up so well, so that once Gilroy

getting behind the defence, it is so difficult for them to recover.

He caught the defence flat-footed. Ireland have a new threat in their

back line. Penalty to Argentina from the restart, Ireland getting

in each other's way, causing a bit of interference. That is what often

happens from the restart, you score, and an immediate chance for

Argentina to put three on the board. Listening to their captain, a lot

of talking before the game, he said he would be putting pressure on the

set pieces and the restarts. An awful lot of teams talk about

restarts in those set-pieces, but they are clearly targeting that,

and that was a very well-placed kick into no man's land, the centre

of the pitch, in behind the forwards, tempting Simon Zebo on to

it. And a real opportunity to close earlier effort. Argentina back

within four. A needless three points given away there. Rare

visits to the Irish half. Yes, just taking a bit of shine off that

score. They will have to deliver and 80 minute performance today,

nothing less. Some people might not know the ranking permutations. This

pitch is really starting to cut up here. The losing here... Well,

Ireland, if they lose they would finish out of the top eight with

the draw for the World Cup and a few weeks' time. As Sanchez clears,

the winner is guaranteed to finish in the top rate and getting more

favourable draw in the second tier of countries. -- get a more. This

displays a lack of confidence in their full line-up. Sorry, it is

Ireland's line-up. What am I talking about?! Strauss is taking

his chance and finds his man well there. And space again for Gilroy.

A big hole in the Argentinian defence and Ireland now up-to-the

22. Sexton delays... Out it goes and back to Sexton and he has his

chance now! Ireland's second try in the first 15 minutes! Again, Gilroy

had a nice part to play in that. He got Argentina on the back foot. But

then what Sexton managed to do is back that up with a great movement.

This is the initial break from Gilroy. So difficult to get two

hands on. And then Sexton put Ilham Ozbilen through the gap, and then

back inside to Sexton. -- puts D'Arcy through the gap. They will

be disappointed they did not Paul Sexton down. I think Ireland have

caught Argentina by surprise. concerns about their defence, which

historically has been rather frugal. Certainly in the last match against

France. Sexton goes past 250 points with that drive. Gaps appearing all

over the pitch there in Argentina's defence. They have not had to go

through multiple phases to get the breaks through. They have had a

couple of phrases in. It puts Argentina right where they want

them - on Babak foot. -- on the jolly Sexton. He converts his own

tribe. -- for Jonathan Sexton. Great to see young Craig Gilroy is

getting on the ball. Again, a lot of work to do. But you can see do

that -- the delight on John Sexton's face. What can they do in

response? because they have been stunned in response earlier in the

tournament. They have now given away another one almost immediately.

He is calling these very early and that is not really giving the

opposition a chance to challenge for the ball. I don't like the way

he is doing that. A good bit of skill by Ireland to get in and

challenge for the ball. I am not sure who it was. That is where the

penalty was given and I think that is far too early. Not giving Keith

Earls the opportunity to challenge there. The risk of a whistle but

another chance for Sanchez. He is are met by two penalties for

Argentina. It might be half-time before they can really talk about

it. Talking about the rankings, if they are going to lose, they want

to lose by fewer than 15 points because that makes a big difference

to them. If they lose by fewer than 15, Argentina might be safe in the

really good from the Argentinian perspective. Ireland have got what

they want out of that. This gives Ireland a set-piece in Argentinian

territory and the opportunity to launch another attack. Argentina

needs to start running that out and getting it further. The referee is

getting a bit fed up with the pace of Ireland getting to the line-out.

Good line-out again. Taking in well. Again, the crowd put on the green

shirts for. A bit of a knock to the head of Sanchez, who seems to be

struggling there. Sanchez still down, so, again, Argentina down to

14 men at the moment. Here comes Zebo, and a grubber kick through.

Keith Earls tries to control it. Off a man and Argentina tried to

come away with the bounce of the ball. Kyra Ishak was looking for

that to pop back up into his hands. -- Kyra -- Keith Earls. I think the

Argentina fly half, Sanchez, might not be long for this game. He is

staggering about a bit. Saluting him. Oh... That is a big blow to

Argentina. If that is the last we see of Sanchez. He has taken a

hefty blow there. Only three caps in the last few years for his

replacement. So, things not going Argentina's way in the early

exchanges. Two tries so far. Strauss hits his man. Argentina

piles in and tries to disrupt. And again, around the back! Was he

shoved out before he got it down? We will see. No try? That is the

question for Geoff Warren. The ball did squirt out before it was... Yes.

Before it was grounded. I may be jumping the gun a bit but I cannot

see why that try would not be awarded. The first angle shows it

clearly. Look at that again... Yeah, I think he just about had it.

Controlled it very well. You may order try, is the instruction from

a Geoff Warren. There it is for Richard Strauss. Yes, very well

worked out from the line-out. Nothing to push against and they

were left with six men against three or four, and once they got

that initial shift towards the touchline, it opened it up for

Strauss. His first try and another conversion attempt for Jonathan

Sexton. What a start this has been minutes. It still may be a very

close match. They just turned away from the Argentinian defence.

Argentina, of course, left on the ground. So, Argentina in their

final match of the season, they wanted to finish on a high but they

are looking a bit off the pace at have a bit of space. Out it goes

and Argentina were at least have a chance to contest the line-out deep

inside the Irish 22. Well, Healy trying to take it on. Not the best

option. Taking this game by the scruff of the neck, Ireland. There

were just delay five-minute concussion test for Sanchez now. If

he is OK, you will come back onto the pitch. And it has bounced

kindly for the captain. A penalty for Ireland. Argentina not rolling

away in the tackle. To go back to that point, Argentina with the

possession, from the restart, they have just kicked it back and given

Ireland the ball. Ireland, by contrast, are trying to do

something with the ball and take possession. That is what Argentina

has failed to do so far. If Sanchez first cap. And kicked deep into the

Irish half. That is OK. Is still keeps Ireland in control. Ortis

start for Craig Gilroy! -- what a start! So difficult because he had

two hands on. So refreshing to see a winger with this powerful storm

winning his way through the defenders. And taken this time by

McCarthy. The Irish forwards having the best of the exchanges and they

have the advantage there. Still advantage to Ireland. And Keith

Earls again, almost making his way the referee with the penalty earned

by the forwards. Well, I have to say that Argentina are not

defending these Irish balls well at all. They are too high as well.

Maybe something may have picked up from the Argentina-France game.

Zebo is down and injured at the moment, receiving some treatment.

Sexton again, tries to get a decent three good bits of territory for

Ireland, what can they make of this and it works out well enough for

Argentina. -- Lobbe. They have not been able to hold on to the ball,

that is a rare error from Ireland, of the set piece with an Irish

and if he can reach the line, Landajo, the scrum-half gets it

back well. Options either side for rappelled. -- rappel. They will

have to score soon if they are the referee. They're coming back

for the penalty. I think Ireland will take a three-point loss. It

was not a great box kick by Conor Murray, it gave Argentina a rare

possession within the Irish half. They really should have scored.

Hernandez asking whether it was a try scoring penalty that was given

away. It might have been something more severe, but it was just of

side, said the referee. This is the Ireland's, another three points for

Argentina, three tries against three penalties. But as he was

saying, Ireland will be quite happy that they did not give away a try

And her there. Well, they will, particularly, at now they have got

the restart. I wonder whether they will change their reception here,

whether they will just kick for touch. What they need to do is hold

possession, not give the ball back but only 10 points, three tries and

by Tommy Bowe! Simon Zebo was right up on his shoulder, but Ireland now

the moment, every attack promises wanted. Again, Argentina coming in

Zebo, Gilroy, but the Argentinian 4th try, and it is going to be a

drive for Zebo, and Simon Zebo get in for his first try, a debutant

scorers all over the park for Ireland, four tries, what a first

heart! Well, I'm trying to think the last time I saw Ireland play

like this. They have been clinical when they have got field position,

but they have been so calm and assured on the ball. This is what

set up the whole attack, that take by Tommy Bowe that gave them the

old position. Argentina were on the back foot. Zebo taking the tackle,

that was the first attack, but they maintained their composure. They

knew there was based at there, and that pass took out two Argentinian

defenders. Zebo is out there, not sitting back, waiting to defend the

kick. Ireland are really committing numbers to those attacks,

particularly on the short side, and they are getting the benefit of it.

Four tries, three of them now to those who was scoring their first

try for their country. Sexton again with a ten-point lead, they would

be disappointed. That is looking a bit more like what they feel they

deserve. A couple of the penalties have been stopped, and they would

like to extend their lead if they can. -- soft. Restart taken by

pay off, it went past Zebo. I am not going to criticise that,

because they are showing adventure, and that is what you want to see,

showing adventure, playing with ambition. Just a little mistiming

there. Again, Ireland really want to put pressure on his Argentinian

McCartney, he does that so well for Connacht. -- McCarthy. Ireland

really looking very impressive at the referee, and it is their ball

to claim. Good work by the Pumas. A chance to show what they can do in

captain, Jamie Heaslip. They will come back for the penalty. This

might be a similar penalty to the at the breakdown, Jaco Peyper, and

that is something that is more reflective of the southern

hemisphere style, giving the edge to the attacking team, rather than

the defending team. That is a rare turnover by Ireland. Their

discipline has been pretty good so far. Falling into a pattern, this

game, Ireland score a try, Argentina score a penalty.

support was a little bit too high from Simon Zebo, he needed to get

Argentina remain on nine points, and Ireland at the moment heading

very happily towards half-time. and the pattern has been that

Argentina have been looking for scraps of possession from turnovers,

and that is about it. They will have to make better use of that in

the second half and fix their non- functioning nine out. -- line-out.

Good work from Argentina, but the ball did not find its way to Juan

Manuel Leguizamon. They are at sixes and sevens, their confidence

has been knocked out, and his game is not going the way they thought

it would. They looked so good against Wales, started so bright

against France, but not in this match. A lot of that is down to the

efforts of Ireland. Their scrum has looked very solid, that Leinster

scrums so far. This time, the penalty is there... No, just an

Argentinian ball. Feeling the pressure there, though. Not on, a

lack of concentration from Ireland. Look at how much the pitch is

cutting up. That is a feature these days, it seems to cut up very

stadiums! The pictures are sometimes not as good as their

surroundings. -- pitches. Early hit, early engage from Ireland, so

Argentina, way through their captain. -- come away. Free-kicks

still to the Pumas. A bit more ground to play with. Their skipper

gives it on to Eusebio Guinazu. It went to Ireland anyway, so wasteful

by Argentina, and Ireland clear might be enough for the referee,

and he says that is it, and what a carpet has been for Ireland. Declan

Kidney could not have wished for a better half. Argentina will be very

disappointed. They have been giving the ball back from the kick-off to

Ireland, and their defence and their line-out really need a lot of

work. They are not out of sight, but four tries against three

penalties, 24-9 Ireland lead at half-time.

It just goes to show, what do we know? No-one would have expected

that scenario, certainly not the manner of it, and the few

Argentinian fans have been getting a real drubbing. Gilroy, a great

try, then Sexton, then Strauss making it three, and then Zebo

making it four. If you look at the facts and figures, that

incidentally is the Millennium Argentina 0, turnover is three, all

the tackles and meters made, it has been Paul Ireland. Keith Wood, Mr

Curmudgeon, worrying about what might happen, they are playing like

Argentina is not playing, they are sitting back in defence, and

And I have to say, Gilroy looks like a breath of fresh air. Every

time he gets the ball, it looks very balanced. They are playing

with accuracy and each time they have come up into the 22 they have

scored a try. Adding Argentina have been playing a slow game today and

they have gone the opposite end. -- I think. The gaps in every kind of

statistics are favourable with attacking play and they also a huge

in comparison. Ireland are playing very well. Well done to them. If

when you dream about playing for your country, you dream about this.

Yes. You think the ball is going to go behind Gordon D'Arcy but then

watched 12th. He blocks Sanchez there and then Gilroy is in and

then they do what comes to them instinctively. There's no way in

the world he is going to give away that ball! He is going for it and

it was great. At that set the tone for the rest of the match. So far

at least. Ireland just positive, going forwards, for Woods, forwards.

Yes and clinical. The line-out has worked as well. This is Gilroy two

minutes afterwards as well. Every time he touched it there was a bit

of raised up on it. Some absolutely awful Argentinian defending at the

end of it. It is still a credit that the Irish are going for it and

it has, I believe, surprised the Pumas. They are taken aback by it.

When you are playing in a match and you are expecting a certain style

of play from the opposition and then suddenly you get a totally

different challenge in front of you, whose responsibility is it to say,

hang on, boys, they're doing something we were not expecting?

Your captain has to make the call. Your defensive lead may not be the

same person. The problem is, for Argentina, they expected one thing

but they also deep in defence all the time that Ireland are not being

put under any pressure. The first 10 minutes were pretty stale but

after that, suddenly, a bit more space and a bit of time on the ball,

no sense of panic and a bit of pressure and they are willing to

have a go now. The rest of the players are running on to it and it

comes back down to Argentina. explain what they are not doing

here. They are not coming up and nobody is going forward. They are

going backwards and Ireland of running towards them. A pass by

Keith Earls there but that back line is being given too much time

to do what they want instead of the Pumas coming up and smashing and

blitzing and hitting the tackle. If it is much easier to do that

because you are not being smashed. Argentina normally have a rush up.

They have built it all on pressure. They look completely exhausted.

doesn't matter what you were doing behind the scrum if the scrum does

not give you the platform. And that third try was an example. Yes. You

can see Argentina here, they have to try to stop that. They have to

push and do it square. Instead, they did it round the right and

opened up the route for Ireland. Just enough downward pressure to

score into the corner. And a great word of. -- a great word -- try.

Andrew made a point by grin commentary - they lost six line-

outs against France last week. If you have such confidence what

knock-on effects does it have on the way the new play the rest of

the game? He will put in the -- new opera dear the whole team under

pressure. -- you are putting a whole team. And South Africa have

not lost a single line-out in the whole tour. They are experts. I

always feel in the line-out, you should win at your own ball every

single time. Are you looking at me deliberately? I thought you might

say the opposite! No, you should. Let's see the 4th try. The

youngsters at the back are giving huge vitality to the Irish but the

old guns are effectively winning that ball in the air. Fantastic.

Jonny Sexton, we said it beforehand, some of the older guys had to step

up their game. He has led it very well today. A great pass across the

front. So if you are the Argentinian coach, what do you say

at half-time? A long season and only 14 minutes left. He will be

saying, you have done so well since the championship, you have given a

good account of yourselves. They pride themselves on their passion

and they always have a ago. Today they seem overwhelmed and I think

he will be saying, lads, we have to push up in our defence. And, you

know, look to have a go, and somehow he has got to get chatting

with his forwards coach. 15 points is not unsurmountable. They just

need to put Ireland under pressure. They look wrecked! So they have to

just say, 40 minutes of energy, leave it in the field and put

everybody under pressure. It looks like they had a big night out last

night. Adam is part of our punditry teams. Later on you can see behind

the scenes. The roof is closed because I hate to see what the

pitch would be like otherwise! Wales are coming back at 5pm. Is

this a hiding to nothing for Wales? Just a word on that. They are in a

dark space at the moment. They are struggling and their form has

dipped so dramatically, their confidence has dipped even more.

And I think when you come up against a team, New Zealand largest

playing so comfortably well off you can't see anything but a

comfortable victory. If Wales cannot lift themselves for this

game, they really are in the doldrums and struggling. New

Zealand... It is beautiful rugby. Probably the best way to describe

it. Absolutely beautiful, the way they throw a pass, moving, the

angle, the pace... The speed. It is absolutely beautiful. And Wales

have to get themselves... You just feel, they will be on their way

here and once they are in the stadium, they will know the

anticipation and the crowd will have that anticipation and emotion.

They need to feed off of that again. Two figures - Carter not playing

for New Zealand. A shame because to watch him is so beautiful. And

Warren Gatland. For Wales. Can we read much into that? They are a bit

afraid of him, which is no harm. He can have them fully focused for it.

They have not seemed to have that big leader that they need and that

the team needs and they have drifted off, so he is back in and

has to try and make it a bit more simple for them and try to energise

them to play well. It is all mentality, in the head, and that is

what is talked about. If at one solitary triumph and the statistic

is struck -- thrown at them again and again. Will Wales go on to the

feel genuinely believing they can win? To build up has to have been,

guys, you can win again. They have to look at the recent matches where

they have played well and they have played well and won games and only

just lost against certain sides. The tries they have scored, the big

tackles they have put in, the offloading they have done. They

have to come on believing in no uncertain way they can beat the All

Blacks. Kick-off is at 5:15pm and the coverage starts a few moments

before after Final Score on BBC Two. Give or take a minute or so! And

you can watch the best bits again South Africa at 7pm tonight on BBC

Three. At the moment as well, we will be showing you the match

between Scotland and Tonga on BBC Scotland if you want to watch that.

So, last few words. I almost very stupid turned around to see if the

players were coming back and then realised they won the other side!

If as far as the second half in Ireland is concerned, are the first

10 minutes crucial? Because if Ireland gets the 5th score, that

will give the momentum. Yes. They want to keep the skill level up if

they can but they will have a lot of pressure on them. It is about

building on what they have done already and continuing to deliver

for the next 40 minutes. Argentina needed to get that smelling sock

buckled around the changing room to get fired up and coming out. --

smelling salt bottle. Ireland playing with real - and flair and

vitality. Let's see if the second half will be the same. Back to the

the tense, tight affair we have seen. Will anything change? Ireland

will be hoping not. A lot of it, Argentina did not look themselves.

No, they didn't. Up part of that was tactical as well. I expect

Argentina to kick the ball up the middle of the bench. And they need

to use Hernandez to kick the ball long and forced the ball out of

defence, and that way they can challenge at the breakdown because

they certainly cannot challenge at the line-out. If no changes to

either side at half-time. Hernandez, the magician, as he was known. All

sort of injury problems throughout his career but still a very gifted

player. He will get things under way in this second half. Is there a

way back for Argentina? At the moment, Ireland looking for a safer

place in the world rankings and a better draw for the World Cup in

three years' time. And put in to arrest any doubts about their forms.

-- and putting to rest. Here is the bane of their life at the moment,

and lively start to the second half. Here become, through Bosch. A

penalty advantage to Argentina. Just asking the touch judge who it

was infringing for future reference. Argentina still have the ball and

making a bit of ground. A bit crowded there and nothing doing so

the referee will bring them back. And he says it was Tommy Bowe

infringing. Yes, he will want him to move away. He is very sharp at

the breakdown, as we have seen before. He does not hang about,

does he? No, and it is very much in favour of the attacking team, which

favours a Ireland with a team possession but on this occasion he

has favoured Argentina. It looks like a missed a few conversions. A

few penalties given away, and here is a penalty chance for Nicolas

Sanchez to get them back within 12 points, which is not an enormous

lead. No, it is not what Ireland wants. They could slowly clawed

their way through with cheap penalties. A lazy stroke of the

boot and a good one as well. Just had the distance but perfect for

direction, and Argentina up to 12 points. Let's see if there's a

change of tactics from Argentina now with this kick-off. As I said

before, they would just be kicking the ball back down the middle and

of time. Back it comes to Sanchez again. That is the change, they

have decided to run these at now. Leguizamon is still injured on that

far side now. It is going to be a scrum to Ireland as well! Well, it

did not work on that occasion, they were not quick enough to support

the ball carrier. That is great for Ireland, but it shows that

Argentina have recognised the weakness of just kicking the ball

back to touch, but it has not been to turn that into a maul and keep

it off the ground and get the turnover. That is Juan Manuel

is down, but he is infamous for his effort in scoring a try, is leaving

celebration over the line for London Irish, and in his exuberance

the ball disappeared. This is how he was injured. He has been taking

pretty much all of the restart so far. He seemed to get the knock on

the first contact. He is going to be straight back into the flank of

a scrum, an Irish scrum, write any sent off the field, just outside

the 22. -- Write in the centre of the field. They will not want to

and more, they Arshavin Argentina what a scrum from Ireland! Things

are not going the way you would expect. I would expect Argentina to

have a real go at that scrum, but Ireland got the upper hand. Cian

Healy has been very solid, but for one scrum, which was down to lack

of concentration. He has coped well with the 22 stone man. That will

hurt their pride, because they still have huge pride in their

scrummaging, and they do not rely on it as they used to in the fairly

recent days. They are missing Patricio Albacete, he is injured.

Here is Sexton to cancel out their second half penalty from Nicolas

for Ireland, 15 points once again is the lead. You got the real sense

from Ireland that they missed an opportunity, and maybe that memory

enables them to make the most of this opportunity, because they have

taken their chances so far. If you win by more than 15 points, you get

Leguizamon took the knock early on. No, it is not him. It is Senatore.

Oh, that is crucial, because that is valuable possession for

Argentina. They cannot afford stadium. You can hear the shouting

from the Irish, not too much from the Argentinians. Solid enough

yards than you think he is going to make. -- Gilroy. Advantage again to

scores! Bowe is there, five tries up 4 Ireland. As I set in the first

half, it is a long time since we have seen a performance from

Ireland of such exuberance. When Jonathan Sexton put his foot to

that, we were not sure who it was for. But Tommy Bowe came like a

steam train through there. And he got to it first. I am not sure if

they felt the Argentinians were slightly in front of the kicker,

but what a chase it was. I do not think he was, but that is what

Ireland would have wanted, a good, strong start, another try, and

other psychological dent to this Argentinian side. We have had a few

first-time scorers for Ireland today. That is 25 now for Tommy

Bowe, what a source of five-point is he has been for Ireland.

Argentina look all over the place. When we look back on the classic

Ireland-Argentina games, this one stands out. This is not the way

resistance, and does not seem that it is within this Argentina side to

make the changes they need to get the post. If he and added a few

more kicks, Ireland would have been even further ahead, but the tries

are doing enough at the moment. Sexton will be disappointed at

missing six points so far, but I think Ireland overall will be

advantage now. Looking at the body- language of some of the Argentinian

players, you can read too much into it, but as Keith was saying at

half-time, it is the end of a long, long season. They have played in

the old Tri Nations, the Rugby Championship as it is now, for the

first time. They looked so bright and so skilful against Wales, good

in places against France. Yes, I am wondering whether they have

underestimated this Irish side, expecting it to be easier than it

is going to be. They had a very successful championship and felt

that Ireland with there for the taking. They look like individuals.

By contrast, Ireland are encouraging each other verbally,

back-slapping, congratulating, it completely different dynamic

between the two teams. The Irish took that one down, carried on by

down for his second, it is a rout! Ireland are rampant! Sexton's

second try, number six for Ireland. You are right, Andrew,

psychologically this Argentinian side of Beaton, their heads are

down, they are individuals. -- are beaten. I do not know what Lobbe

can be saying that is going to change anything underneath those

goalposts. This is a rampant Irish side now. I do not think anyone

that Craig Gilroy is outside as an option. He has given Jonathan

Sexton something to dummy to, to cut back inside. What I really

liked about his performance today has been the total commitment to

attack. As I said before, I think that they were probably

disappointed that, against South Africa, who were there for the

taking, they did not adopt this game-plan, they played more

conservatively. As a consequence, they did not make the most of the

opportunity. They are leaving nothing to chance today. It is

another tough conversion attempt fork Johnny Sexton. At least it is

on the right side for a right- Sexton. Ireland 39, Argentina 12.

Well, all that is left for Argentina now is to restore a bit

of pride, but to do that they are going to have to get territory and

possession, and that is something that they have not been able to do.

And Argentina have made a change as well, one has come Tomas Leonardi,

the Argentinian's players, and that fixture, Ireland won 29-nine in

this fixture. So we are well beyond that now. And Manuel Montero has

come in on the wing for a man we thought was going to be very

dangerous, Juan Jose Imhoff, a prodigious scorer, but no scoring

today for Argentina, it has been all Ireland. A rare mistake at the

Berating himself, Donnacha Ryan, he has been calling the shots and done

tremendously well. That is good to see, that a mistake heads, because

he knows what he needs to do to fix that. Maybe a little bit slow, that

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 267 seconds

a wild one from outside the 22. -- Brood. Yes, a little aberration

there from Craig Gilroy, who has otherwise had a fantastic afternoon.

He was not able to kick directly into touch, and I think he was

aware of that. It was a moment of indecision where it was not clear

Agustin Creevy, an Irish name, pumping those guns. He is getting

they will come back for that now. The referee, the touch judge, the

assistant, has spotted foul play and stuck his flag out. So the

referee will have a word. Not sure sorry. Well, Argentina taking any

gift they can get as they make that change as well. So we have Agustin

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 267 seconds

So Argentina have to try again. For erectile in this match, they are

pressed into defence. The penalty advantage to Argentina. No try yet

in this game by the Pumas. Now what goes wide and the fly half coming

in off his wing. Laid back up to within five metres. Now we goes out

but the pass is loose! Scooped up by Sanchez. That really was a

chance. A three-it on-one overlap. They come back for that penalty.

Argentina has to break through. Oh! So nearly! He would have been away.

Diving in for it, the Ulster wing. Still Argentina come. Six tries

down but Ireland have turned it over. Nothing and nothing for

Argentina. Ireland have the penalty. All that attack and nothing to show

forehead. The one opportunity they had, Argentina, that ball needed to

be whipped. That was a great well. Well over the halfway line.

Just inside the Argentina half. That will keep Ireland honest. Just

to make them aware Argentina can press. This is a pale imitation of

Beginning to threaten brother ball is spilled. Argentina on the

counter. Zebo just a lake that pass -- if Zebo had just delayed that

pass it might have committed. back it comes to Sanchez. Once

again, over to the forwards. Something for Argentina here as

Montero skips in off the wing. An advantage to Argentina. Penalty to

the Pumas. Self-explanatory there, and this is where Argentina will

want to get field position. Into the final quarter of the match we

go. Still 27 points, the gap, but this. The last quarter can be a

little unstructured. -- this often happens. Sanchez is off Poly this

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 267 seconds

time after his earlier concussion Argentinian forwards do it. -- use

Argentina. Gonzalo Tiesi making his mark. Both teams have a player

injured. And again, spaced-out into the wing for Argentina. -- space

out into the wing. And running it down as well. Healy just clutching

his neck after making the tackle. Waiting to come on for his 90th cap,

Donncha O'Callaghan, the Munster lock. And he will come on for Mike

McCarthy. Mike McCarthy has done well, been very effective. He has

released it to claim for inclusion Ireland. Just five metres from

kick. Comes to Hernandez and beyond. Fair contest for the ball, says the

referee. And Ireland pinched it. Again, Murray is being pulled all

over the place. At scraps, afters. something. -- he obviously felt. We

will see. Still a bit of an edge from all those years. That is

frustration at an Ireland do not want to react to that at the moment,

from Healy. No provocation there what so ever. That is just absolute

throwing the ball. So number three goes to the bin. Have a word.

you go. He is off for 10 minutes and it goes from bad to worse for

Argentina. He clearly felt Healy had done something. 21 stone and he

heads to the side. His first cap is Argentina, losing a sizable figure

and readjusting in the front row. Editor of race last one from

Jonathan Sexton. -- a bit of a have to bring on another prop.

They are bringing on the Biarritz prop. So off goes Senatore, their

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 267 seconds

loose. We all thought it was going to be close and close in the final

15 minutes but Ireland will be mightily pleased. Again, no one to

finish strongly as well. -- they want to finish. I think some of the

will be looking at this and saying, is there braise spot for me, which

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 267 seconds

is a great thing. -- is there at a floor, but a little knock-on, just

as Strauss tried to come away with it. That was good work at the

breakdown by Ireland, taking in strong, but Keith Earls gets to his

feet quickly, and Peter O'Mahony is making a right nuisance of himself,

trying to play it to Richardt Strauss, but he probably was not

expecting that. Another change being made by Ireland, and Michael

Bent is coming on for Mike Ross. Mike Ross giving a few words to the

wise there, letting him know what to expect. He has not played for

Leicester yet, the Australian-Irish grandmother. Tight-head props are

precious commodities, wherever you South Africa for his first cap, but

Mike Ross can be very pleased with the game, we have not seen any

scoring after that frenetic Irish try-scoring. It has been very

disjointed, with a few injuries, a few substitutions and a fracas, but

Ireland will want to, as you said, finish the game on a high, but some

pressure on here. They get the penalty, and they are still playing

with that one-man advantage with Bustos in the sin-bin. He got the

upper hand on idea said there. -- Marcus Agius tsar. That is not

really what you want in a scrum, you do not want a centre behind you,

you want your flank and your second row. Good field position for

Ireland. Argentina are going to make another couple of changes, the

just got a glimpse of the replacement scrum half as well,

Nicholas Vergallo. He comes on for line-out. The referee reminding

taking in by Julio Cabello. The replacement scrum-half, fresh on

the field. He finds Gilroy. Scrum to Ireland. They were lucky to

retain that, that was very good work at the breakdown by Argentina,

a newly turned that over. It has become a game of scrums now, we

talked about how few there were in the first half, but it has fallen

He wants the height exactly right. He wants to make sure the shoulders

not happy, his Irish scrum is about let Ireland through, and that might

bounce kindly! Marcelo Bausch from PRS, he eventually set it back. --

Bosch. Just a change of attacking Sexton. That is straight off the

training park. You were not expecting him to do that, he just

cut that back, I think he meant to cut it back a little bit more into

Gilroy's path, but it nearly came off. Three changes, Ian Anderson,

number 20, Ronan O'Gara, 126 caps. Johnny Sexton, perhaps not his best

day kicking, but what about that try-scoring! Conor Murray as well.

An outstanding day for Peter O'Mahony. Ireland have an

embarrassment of riches, Ian Anderson, another one of those guys

you think, he is going to go far. The first time I saw Paul O'Connell,

and even a young Keith Wood! Tommy Bowe! Well, there might have

been an opportunity to go upstairs, but he did not think twice. That is

the way Ireland will want to finish this. It is not finished yet.

Gorgeous little play by Keith Earls. Zebo manages to get his foot to it,

and Tommy Bowe finishes it off. for his second, seven for Ireland.

But again, none of this would have happened if Zebo was not committing

himself. In other words, again Ireland are totally committed when

they are attacking, not doing anything by half measures, and that

is what has been so pleasing about this today. 26 tries now for

Ireland, Tommy Bowe. Straight on the field to add to his enormous

points total, Ronan O'Gara. He has had good times and bad against

points, a great kick from Ronan O'Gara, and Ireland, after this try,

look at the difference on the score round, 34 points, a record margin

Ireland will not want to give up a try. A big knock on for Zebo as he

try of this match, still one up, keeping it a more and

getting the turnover, but not Agustin Creevy tries to get it

against the base of the post, which would be good enough now, but still

is a try, and the man who has got it down... Well, that is what

Ireland will not have wanted to see in terms of finishing the match,

but there is still a couple of minutes to go yet. That is Tomas

Leonardi, I think. There was no hesitation from Jaco Peyper, who

saw it on the line. So something for Argentina, one try here, but it

drop-kick, which you are allowed to into the last two and a half

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 267 seconds

they're all in any case. -- their action on this match will be for

man without the ball. The into touch and have a final go off

the line. Well, that sums up the whole match for Argentina. He tried

to bite of a little bit too much, the wrong side of the flag, back to

the 22. Yes, and there's not a huge amount to be gained, five or 10

match is lost, but they are hunting coming, as we ticked towards 80

contest that ball. The scrum-half carries it in. The clock is red,

and that will be... No, back for second try! And the captain, the

beleaguered captain, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe gets in. Well, they

played quite a bit of advantage there, Jaco Peyper, but Argentina

take full advantage, and I'm not going to say the scoreline looks

respectable, but at least they scored a couple of tries. That

means it is a record victory, that missed conversion, a record margin,

because that would have tied things at 20 points. Argentina have the

final say, but that takes nothing away from the Irish victory,

because it has been comprehensive, a record victory, seven tries, and

what a game for the likes of Gilroy and all the others, very impressive.

Declan Kidney would have been happy with a win, happy to maintain their

position in the top 10, but they will be especially delighted with

the manner of the win, and Ireland found a new exuberance and vibrancy

at their three-quarter line, particularly with the likes of

Gilroy, Zebo and Bowe making the most of the injection of youth into

the back line. A most unexpected performance, but one they will be

celebrating, I am sure, tonight. Ireland will remain in the top

eight as they go to the World Cup draw in a couple of weeks' time,

That rather sad attempt at a conversion at the end some but the

Argentinian efforts today. They are playing KT and the Sunshine Band,

and that was the way they liked it? Well, a very flat match from

Argentina. It is very hard to look at it in that fashion. They really

did not turn up today, they did not at all. But some of Ireland, the

young guys, were fantastic. Craig Gilroy looked fantastic. Energetic,

aggressive with the ball. And they played with verve, which they

haven't for a while. Their losses, two tries and they scored against a

side above them. Well done to Kidney for putting the new players

in. It is plus marks all round. Everybody contributed enough and it

was an Ireland I have not seen for a long time. And the young guys

give an extra vitality to the season's campaign. I saw Tommy Bowe

at the beginning of the campaign and of the season and he was a bit

slack, but he has come back and found his pace, edge, determination.

I did not think that was great back in cover and it is almost...

He was so relaxed and not really sharp, the Pumas, and Ireland took

full advantage. No doubt who the young man of the match was. A

Many congratulations. A record win for Ireland against Argentina and

what a way to mark your first cap? I knew what the game was and I was

just delighted with the win. I was so nervous. You certainly did not

look like a nervous man out there! And that opening drive. I thought

you were going to get knocked out by your team-mate, Jonny Sexton!

yes. Coming into the game, I had so many messages from family and

friends and interlocked. When I stepped on the pitch, that left me

and I just enjoyed it. -- and it meant a lot to me. Where the Jong

performance comes from today? have been together for a while now.

It has been going really well encamped and everything has clicked

well. A lot of new faces and it is exciting times Irish rugby. A good

mix of young and old and I think tonight we showed it. You certainly

to remember. Absolutely. This was his next opportunity to get the

ball. Lovely balance, could step off the left... Great trial lines

all the time. It just makes it easier. It is just showing the

enthusiasm and exuberance he has had with Ulster all year. Ulster is

lucky. They have three great players in him, along with Bowe and

Healy. He was under a lot of pressure but what has today's

performance set to his critics? He brushed it aside earlier in

interview. I think it puts quiet to their arguments because they have

talked about putting in a new blood all the time and they have seen it

today. It gives him more breathing space, without a shadow of doubt.

And Jonny Sexton's tried? -- try. Well, I am looking at the pumas

here. We have the forwards just not going forward in defence but

running backwards. And, again, you have to be heads up. The Puma

forwards are just looking... You feel like they are making wrong

decisions. They have gone in when there is no need to and there is

isolation with lots of space and the Irish have just taken advantage.

Poor tackles. A bad phase Argentina went through for 60 minutes. They

really were not in the races. hell of a bad phase! 60 minutes! If

but in terms of what they have done all season, they have been really

good. And it has been so poor. Almost a half-hearted attempt there

by the Argentinians to get that one out. It has really been a season

for Gilroy. They're expecting something to happen so what does.

We will do so at the moment, it is a big afternoon internationally all

over the place. If you have the technology, you can switch over to

BBC Scotland because it is half- time between Scotland and Tonga. A

really interesting game and very, very tight there. So you really by

one to watch that one. Wales play New Zealand in about an hour's time.

A big game for the country and again for the team, and a big game

It is nice to be back in coach again for a while. Get out on the

field in the tracksuit, and hopefully we can put in a good

performance. We have been disappointed in the last couple of

weeks. A daunting task but something to be really excited

about, playing the world champions at home, a full crowd at the

Millennium Stadium. If that doesn't get the hairs on the back of your

neck stand in, nothing will! It is good to be back and do some of this

now. You know, I have been flat out with the responsibilities of the

Lions and trying to watch games. And then up in London and back and

forth, so that has kept me pretty busy. But it is nice to get away

from that for two weeks and handle the game with Wales. I sat down for

breakfast on Monday a couple of coaches turn to me and swore.

Excuse my language! It is exactly the response I wanted. I would like

to know the difference I would have made of the last couple of weeks

but we had to laugh when I said I was back. I hope it shows we are a

close crew. One thing I love about Wales is people are incredibly

knowledgeable about the game, incredibly opinionated. I think it

is the beauty of living in this country. I love the part about

Wales and the passion that they bring. A pressure we are under as

coaches is that many people have come up to me and said at times,

you know, please, for once, I would like to see Wales win ones in my

lifetime! It is since 1953. It would be fantastic to be a part of

that. Is it going to happen today? You

can see the Millennium Stadium and you will not be surprised to hear

the roof has been shut. For a month, it feels like, given how much rain

Somebody who might have an opinion on what Warren Gatland just said is

this man. What is your take on him? I have known him through that time

and over the years coaching in the southern and northern hemispheres.

He has done some good, positive things and certainly has gimmicks

and blend of competence within the players. -- has a good mix. He has

demonstrated his skill and has got results and then straight away he

has backed down to New Zealand Getting Results there. And now he

is in charge of the Lions. People in the hierarchy now see you as

good, obviously, and he is given an opportunity. But it will be tough

today. Yes. Given the material he has to work with, what can Warren

Gatland do in six days to try to get this Welsh team back to the

level where they can at least compete? If yes, and make them

believe. I feel he has to show them videos of how they played and

performed during the Six Nations, which isn't too far away. He went

over to Australia and lost three games but pushed them very close.

They have to get back on to what they are about. And put the form

akin to make regional structure. -- put the regional form back into the

national structure. They are playing below 50% of their

capability at the moment. But if Wales on to go back onto the pitch

believing they can win, is there any room for complacency from the

All Blacks? Because nobody is talking about the result, they are

talking about the margin. 14 months ago, they actually lifted on the

World Cup so we briefly have to touch on where they have been. I

think this team has kicked on and it has allowed them the ability

because the senior players have not gone abroad and experienced another

country as I think the senior squad has kept this team together. They

only want to go up again. These guys will not be complacent today.

But we have to put it into perspective. The fact is, you know,

the southern hemisphere guys have had six, seven Test matches on the

bounce. And that is from the Northern. I think Wales and the

like have just had Heineken Cup rugby and so it is not surprising

they have lost against Argentina. No as people watching it on telly

will be neutral. The joy of watching the All Blacks were now

playing well? It is fantastic and the elements means that they peek

in between the World Cup so they are coming in of the back of it and

it is a pleasure to watch because you just look at the handling, the

people running from depth, you look at the pure enjoyment they seem to

have with it and it looks perfect. It is the reason we play it. One of

the great rugby cities and stadiums of the world. 5pm this evening,

five am in Auckland and everywhere else. Just two nations for Rugby