Rugby World Cup quarter-finals: Argentina to overcome injury-hit Irish

Fly half Jonny Sexton was a clear target of Les Bleus last time out, and they forced him during the first-half with a groin problem. Ireland initially passed their kicker fit to keep his starting spot, but he hasn’t made it to play the Pumas, so Ian Madigan deputsies.

Iain Henderson steps into the Irish second row, while there are starts at the back for Chris Henry and Jordi Murphy. Number eight Jamie Heaslip skippers Schmidt’s side.

Tommy Bowe (15/8 for a try anytime), Keith Earls (3/1) and the Kearney brothers Dave (11/4) and Rob (10/3) are the usual suspects to cross for Ireland, and they account for nine of their nation’s 16 tries at the tournament to date.

Banned Bosch is only missing Puma

Argentina are practically at full strength, in stark contrast to the Irish, with just centre Marcelo Bosch sitting this one out through suspension. Wide duo Santiago Cordero, who features in an 8/1 wincast, and Juan Imhoff (3/1 for a try anytime) have three crossings apiece, so will be the ones to watch here.

Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade rested plenty of his first-choice players from the Pool C dead runner against Namibia, and that was the virtue of having an easier group. Martin Landajo wins his 50th cap at scrum half and is one of 10 changes to Argentina’s XV.

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Coral’s top tip: Ireland struggled during the build-up to this Rugby World Cup when fielding a weakened side and without the natural leadership of O’Connell, Argentina are too tempting to turn down at a terrific 13/8 to win in 80 minutes.