Argentina v Ireland

Argentina v Ireland
Parc des Princes
Sunday, 30 September
Kick-off: 1600 BST
Live coverage on BBC Radio 5live, Radio Ulster MW & the BBC Sport website

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan insists belief is the key as his side prepare for Sunday's crucial Group D match against Argentina in Paris.

The Triple Crown champions must win by eight points and score at least four tries to qualify for the last eight.

"If you're in this position you have to believe in the team - they must believe in themselves," said O'Sullivan.

Ireland have made two changes from the defeat by France, with Geordan Murphy and Denis Hickie picked in the backs.

Interview: Geordan Murphy

Winger Andrew Trimble, who had been relegated to the replacements bench after the France defeat, has been ruled out of the match with an infected finger.

His place will be taken by Connacht's Gavin Duffy.

Ireland's World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by rumours of player rifts and uncertainties over O'Sullivan's future, as well as a health scare to hooker Simon Best.

But O'Sullivan insisted his players have the self-belief to produce the performance when it matters most.

"We know that game is in us, we just have to drag it out and produce it on the pitch," he said.

"Our focal point is to put a huge performance. If we go into the match with that mind-set then we will create the opportunity to secure the bonus point."

The Pumas, who top Group D, need only a point to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Coach Marcelo Loffreda has recalled fly-half Martin Hernandez, who has recovered from a thigh injury, while Leinster's Felipe Contepomi switches to centre.

And Gonzalo Longo Elia will make his first World Cup start in place of injured back row Juan Manuel Leguizamon.

Argentina and Ireland have met in the last two World Cups with the Pumas prevailing in the quarter-final play-off in 1999 and the Irish avenging that defeat in the group stage in 2003.

But Ireland's playmakers will face a daunting challenge penetrating the current Argentine defence, which has yet to concede a try during the present campaign.

Argentina : Corleto, Borges, M Contepomi, F Contepomi, Agulla, Hernandez, Pichot (capt), G Longo, JM Fernandez Lobbe, Ostiglia, Albacete, CI Fernandez Lobbe, Scelzo, Ledesma, Roncero.
Replacements : Basualdo, Hasan, Kairelis, Durand, Fernandez Miranda, Todeschini, Senillosa.

Ireland: Murphy; Horgan, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, Hickie; O'Gara, Reddan; Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Easterby, D. Wallace, Leamy.
Replacements: S Best, B Young, O'Kelly, N Best, Boss, P Wallace, Duffy.

Source: BBC Sport