Perhaps it was predictable, but  Ireland’s 30-15 defeat by Argentina proved to me that the World Cup is NOT a three-horse race. Believe me, there are four Southern Hemisphere nations capable of winning the Webb Ellis trophy.

Before the tournament started, we all presumed the ultimate prize would be heading for New Zealand, or perhaps Australia or South Africa - with France and Ireland posing the main threat from north of the Equator.

The Pumas turned that on its head in the opening game when they humbled the hosts in front of a fanatical Paris crowd. The South American upstarts have since taken the so-called 'Pool of Death' by storm and won all four games to top the group at a canter.

'The key to it all was the amazing platform given to Argentina’s backs by their rampaging forwards'


Ireland, the last team to stand in their way, needed to score the four tries on Sunday to qualify for the last eight - and to beat Argentina by at least seven points. In all honesty, it was never on, despite the heroics of captain Brian O’Driscoll, an impressive display by fullback Geordan Murphy and some superb lineout work by fellow talisman Paul O'Connell.

It was Driscoll, probably the world’s best centre, who inspired both Irish tries, scoring the first from a typical blockbusting break and then setting up Murphy’s second-half effort with an exquisitely-timed link.

But they were the only bright moments for a side who always looked second best. The key to it all was the amazing platform given to Argentina’s backs by their rampaging forwards. I lost count of the number of turnovers at the breakdown which sent the ball flying into the hands of their magnificent half-back pair Agustin Pichot and Juan Martin Hernandez.

Hernandez, who is equally at home at fullback, had a brilliant day. He featured in some magnificent movements and nailed any Irish hopes of a comeback with three superbly-struck drop goals, two with his right boot and one with the left (one-footed £50,000-aweek Premier League footballers, please note).

For all that dominance, the Puma pack heroes remain largely unknown outside their own country. Most people would still struggle to name a single Argentinian forward - yet I rate their eight as good as any I have seen in the tournament. And with backs of the calibre of Pichot, Hernandez, the Contepomi brothers and Ignacio Corleto, they are going to take some stopping. Even by the All Blacks.

Scotland’s uninspiring lot certainly won’t stop the bulls of the Pampas in next week’s quarter final. Frank Hadden’s men have looked no better than any of the other Six Nations sides - and should be shunted out of sight by the South American powerhouses.

Then it’s on to the big boys. The draw points to a probable clash with South Africa in the semi-final on October 14 and if the Pumas can dispose of the mighty Springboks, it will be either Australia or New Zealand in the final. A tough programme, yes. But Pichot’s men have been more than a match for every team they have come up against so far.

In fact, I got the impression that Argentina could have stepped up the pace even more against Ireland had it been necessary. After all, they only needed to stop O’Driscoll’s men scoring four tries to be sure of qualifying. That immediately reduced the pressure - and put it on the opposition. Ireland, sadly, were just not up to it.

Also, outside pressures may well have got to fly-half Ronan O’Gara during the tournament. The normally immaculate fly-half’s tactical and kicking game was not up to its usual standard throughout the pool games. Indeed, he never looked his normal assured self  - but then, neither did most of his teammates.

I suspect personal slurs in the French media may have had the desired effect on O’Gara - and eased France's passage through to the last eight, where they now face an almighty test against the All Blacks.

Meanwhile, it looks a straightforward run to the semis for the three Southern Hemisphere giants, who all topped their groups with four wins out of four. South Africa look certain to do what Wales should have done - and put out a Fiji side that will struggle without the influence of injured playmaker Nicky Little.

Australia will be firm favourites to beat England, yet I believe this is the quarter-final most likely to produce an upset. Brian Ashton’s reigning champions finally seemed to be finding their form (albeit in patches) against Tonga and I know they are furious at comments by the Australian Rugby Union chief that ‘'everyone hates England’'. That’s probably the best piece of motivation they’ll have all week.

So for me, it’s New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina to battle it out for a place in the final on October 20. But that’s what just about everyone’s saying - so you can guarantee I won’t be right!

How far can Argentina go in the tournament? Post your comments below or submit an article to Sportingo.