Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll has compared Saturday's clash with Argentina at Croke Park to a World Cup qualifier.
Irish bid to end three-Test losing streak against Pumas
Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll has compared Saturday's clash with Argentina at Croke Park to a World Cup qualifier.
Ireland must end a three-match losing streak against the Pumas if they are to retain eighth place in the International Rugby Board rankings.
With the seedings for the World Cup draw on December 1 being determined by the rankings, defeat would drop the Irish down to ninth and put them in a group containing two major nations.
Ireland failed to get out of a group at the last World Cup containing Argentina and France, the Pumas ending their hopes with a 30-15 victory.
The contest was the third of three pivotal World Cup encounters between the teams, who also met in 1999 and 2001, and O'Driscoll played in all three.
"There seems to have been a lot at stake in all the games we've played against Argentina over the years," said the Ireland captain.
"Post-World Cup we've built up grudge matches, one team wanting to defeat the other.
Seeding
"This particular match is about seeding, you just think about now and let previous rivalries pass you by.
"I don't think you can compare this game to anything in the Six Nations.
"Six Nations rugby is a mentality in itself, this is more like a qualification match for the World Cup.
"I've been involved in World Cup qualifiers before against lower-quality sides. Essentially that's what this is.
"That does add to the pressure for both sides. We have something to gain from it but that does give it more of an edge."
