Contepomi wary of Irish backlash

Argentina star Felipe Contepomi believes Ireland are still capable of wrecking the Pumas' World Cup hopes when the sides meet on Sunday.

Ireland need to score four or more tries and win by more than seven points to qualify for the quarter-finals.

"They've got very good individual players that can win them the bonus point," Contepomi told BBC Sport.

"Twenty days ago they were a team people said could win the World Cup and that's the team we'll prepare for."

Argentina have won all three of their Pool D matches so far and have yet to concede a try.

In contrast, Ireland were almost upset by minnows Georgia and were well beaten by France in Paris last weekend.

Contepomi, who plays his club rugby alongside Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy at Leinster, said he was bemused as to why Ireland have failed to fire so far.

"I'm friends with some of the boys, but I don't know if they've had any problems within the camp," said Contepomi, who will win his 56th international cap at the Parc des Princes.

"Perhaps they peaked too soon, but we are still playing against one of the best teams in the world.

"We're not thinking about the team that lost to France, we know it will be a very tough game.

"We are in a situation perhaps we didn't think we'd be in and we need to focus in order to top the pool."

Argentina captain Agustin Pichot said he was also wary of an Ireland backlash and warned his team against complacency.

"In the last World Cup there was a points difference of just one and we need to win this match to make sure we get through," said the Stade Francais scrum-half.

"Everyone says they're not playing well but they're a strong, solid team and they'll be like that again in the next match."

Source: BBC Sport