Bernard Jackman: Ireland to beat Pumas but I'm not confident

Bernard Jackman is backing Andy Farrell to get a positive response out of his players this week, but has warned that Ireland will need to be close to their best to defeat an exciting Argentina team on Friday night.

Ireland haven't lost back-to-back games since February 2021, but come into this week’s Test on the back of a confidence-rattling 23-13 defeat to New Zealand last week.

Opponents Argentina have struggled for consistency this year, but have shown themselves more than capable of one-off performances, with wins over South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France and Italy helping them climb up to fifth in the world rankings.

While Los Pumas have never won against Ireland in Dublin, they have traditionally been known for bringing a fearsome scrum on tour, but that perception has changed dramatically in recent seasons, with Argentina now one of the most exciting attacking teams around.

"It’s caused a lot of consternation in Argentina, they actually have a bang average scrum," Jackman told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

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"[Thomas] Gallo is a very good ball-carrier, [Julian] Montoya is a very good set-piece hooker, [Joel] Sclavi, he’s not an amazing tighthead. The whole focus has gone away and has for three or four years, on that forward-dominated game where set-piece is massive.

"Their lineout maul isn't great, but their attack is spectacular. It’s probably one of the most pleasing attacks on the eye."

Now coached by former Leinster out-half and assistant coach Felipe Contepomi, Argentina’s