No O'Mahony, no O'Brien, no O'Connell. If you had said we'd be going into the World Cup quarter final having to deal with that, most of us would be panicking quite severely right now. However, we obviously wouldn't have had the benefit of seeing that second half performance against the French.
A big Ulster forward who knows how to get around the pitch and has been nothing short of sensational in a green jersey. It's no wonder that Iain Henderson has been emerging from a shadow cast by Stephen Ferris. Henderson has long been earmarked as Ferris' successor for province and for country and now it looks like he'll be given the chance to do just that this weekend.
Henderson at 6 or 5 looks to be one of the big questions facing Joe Schmidt this weekend and although Jordi Murphy is a distinct possibility for 6, Ferris knows exactly where he'd like to see his successor.
I think Henderson will play 6 this week and Toner and Ryan will link up in the second row. I have been gunning for him to be played in the backrow, now this could be his opportunity. If he does play 6, I'm sure he will be brilliant.
You can read more of Ferris' thoughts for Ireland's crucial, and a review of the first week of World Cup action.
1. What a victory against France, was it one of the greatest?
SF- it was definitely one of the best performances Ireland have ever produced. To a man they were amazing. It will be a performance I will never forget.
2. How would you sum up POCs contribution to Ireland now that his boots have been hung up prematurely?
SF- POC has epitomised what Irish Rugby is all about for the last 10 years. He set new standards when playing for Ireland and will go down in history as being an Irish rugby legend. Not only was he the ultimate professional who loved playing for his country, but he is a down to earth family man that was respected by all his fellow players.
3. Also, what did you make of the SOB trial that lasted over 6 hours? Can we get past the Pumas without him and the rest?
SF- what a trial... I found myself on my phone checking Twitter every 10min for an update. Thankfully it was resolved in the end and I think a week ban was probably the right decision. Can we beat Argentina without Sean?? Of course we can.
4. Big Henderson was immense once more, will he slip in to your old shirt?
SF- I think Henderson will play 6 this week and Toner and Ryan will link up in the second row. I have been gunning for him to be played in the backrow, now this could be his opportunity. If he does play 6, I'm sure he will be brilliant.
5. Argentina is always a physical affair, will it be more of the same?
SF- Ireland need to pick up where they left off. More of the same is needed this week. Argentina are not going to make as many mistakes as France last week, and I expect the Argies to play for the lives. Everyone knows this is going to be a tight game. But one I think we can win.
6. Your pre-tournament call was Ireland to the SF, you still sticking to that?
SF- I am sticking with Ireland to reach the SF. I believe if they play their best game and Argentina play their best game, Ireland will win. It's all on the day and I hope Ireland can produce their best performance of the tournament, because it will be needed .
7. If you had a spare tenner where would it be going this weekend?
SF- I'm not sure on what the odds are for NZ, Aus, SA and Ireland winning but I'm sure you might make a few quid betting on all 4 to win. There has been a lot of talk about Henderson this last couple of weeks. If he plays 6, I will have £10 on him scoring anytime during the game.
That sounds like a decent bet to us but if you're looking for something even more enticing then Ladbrokes have you covered with this special offer ahead of Ireland's crucial clash with the Pumas.
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