Ireland suffered a massive blow on the eve of Sunday’s quarter-final against Argentina when fly-half Johnny Sexton was ruled out with a groin injury
ADVERTISEMENTIreland suffered a massive blow on the eve of Sunday’s quarter-final against Argentina when fly-half Johnny Sexton was ruled out with a groin injury.
The playmaker had been named in the starting line-up despite walking off wounded after the win over France last weekend. Captain Paul O’Connell is also out but the Irish say the setbacks won’t upset their game plan.
“There is no denying there is a massive loss for us, but in saying that we have two pretty capable guys there. These things happen in rugby. We knew there were going to be injuries and now it’s up to the lads to up their game and step up to the plate,” said Irish back row forward Chris Henry.
Argentina have reason to believe they can upset the odds and take the luck from the Irish.
The Pumas have twice beaten Ireland in three previous World Cup games and are under no illusions about the strength of the Irish pack.
Matias Moroni has been switched to outside centre in place of the suspended Marcelo Bosch, while Juan Martin Hernandez moves back to inside centre to make way for the return of flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez.