Ireland fought hard for the right to face Argentina, rather than World Cup favourites New Zealand, in Sunday's quarterfinal at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, but the privilege has come at a heavy price. Talisman Paul O'Connell saw his international career ended by a serious hamstring injury sustained in the bruising Pool D victory over France last weekend, while influential flanker Peter O'Mahony is out for the rest of the tournament with a knee injury. Argentina were in fine form during the pool stage, falling only to the All Blacks and running in 22 tries, and pose a real threat to Ireland's credentials as the Northern Hemisphere's best hope of a finalist.

Team news

Ireland have been reeling from the twin injuries to O'Connell and O'Mahony, and the suspension of Sean O'Brien after the dynamic flanker was retrospectively spotted landing a blow on France lock Pascal Pape. However, there is some good news for the Irish faithful. Jonathan Sexton, the virtually-irreplaceable fly-half, has been passed fit to play following a groin strain sustained in the victory over France. Ireland need a huge performance from the 30-year-old in Cardiff, where his leadership as much as his points will be key in the absence of O'Connell.

Argentina have made a mighty 10 changes to their side for Sunday's clash, with head coach Daniel Hourcade selecting his strongest available XV. Marcos Ayerza, Agustin Creevy and Ramiro Herrara make up a new-look front row, while Tomas Lavanini replaces Matias Alemanno in the locks. The Pumas are not short on experience, with the likes of 33-year-olds Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Juan Martin Hernandez anchoring a squad that boasts 496 caps.

© Stu Forster/Getty Images

Ireland

Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Iain Henderson, Jordi Murphy, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip (captain).

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Donnacha Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald

Argentina

Joaquin Tuculet, Santiago Cordero, Matias Moroni, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff, Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Marcos Ayerza, Agustin Creevy (captain), Ramiro Herrara, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Leonardo Senatore.

Replacements: Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Matias Alemanno, Facundo Isa, Tomas Cubelli, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.

Key head-to-head

There will be individual battles all over the pitch but, in the absence of veteran O'Connell, the second row tussle could be crucial. At the age of just 29, Devin Toner is the senior statesman of the locks division on either side, with the excellent 23-year-old Iain Henderson partnering him in the Irish engine room. Argentina, meanwhile, have the youthful Guido Petti, 20, and Tomas Lavanini, 22, packing down. Whichever duo can gain the upper hand will give their backs a platform from which to build some attacking rugby.

Key stats

*Of the 15 Tests between the two nations, Ireland have won 10 and Argentina five. However, the Irish have come out on top in each of the last five encounters, the most recent being a 23-17 win in June 2014.

*However, their World Cup encounters see a reversal of fortune, with Argentina winning two of their three meetings. The last time the two nations played each other at a World Cup, in 2007's Pool D, the Pumas were 30-15 victors.

*Ireland have never won a knockout match at a World Cup. This will be their sixth quarterfinal, together with a quarterfinal playoff in 1999.

Odds

Unibet have Ireland listed at 8/15 to progress to the semifinals, while the same company have Argentina at 37/25.

Weather

Summer is now but a distant memory and Cardiff will have a nip in the air on Sunday. Temperatures of around 12 degree celsius, coupled with a reasonably strong breeze, mean supporters will want to wrap up warm. The players, however, will probably welcome the cool afternoon, such will be the physicality of the encounter.

Prediction

Ireland have lost three key men and will be lucky if Sexton lasts a full 80 minutes. Argentina are in form and have proven they can score a hatful of tries in this tournament. However, the team spirit in the Ireland camp is something to behold at the moment. That alone might be enough to see them win by six points.