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PARIS - Felipe Contepomi's future patients should have no fears about his surgical skills if he is as precise as he is in landing penalties for Argentina.
The 30-year-old qualified as a surgeon from the world renowned Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin this May and now he may unplug the tenuous life support system that the Six Nations Triple Crown winners are living on in the World Cup here on Sunday at the Parc des Princes.
The 56-times capped fly-half/centre, who plays alongside his twin brother Manuel in the national side, has become a real favourite in Ireland since he joined Irish provincial powerhouse Leinster in 2003.
Contepomi, who is playing in his third World Cup and was a member of the squad that ousted the Irish on a cold night in Lens in their 1999 World Cup quarter-final play-off, said that whatever happens on Sunday the atmosphere would be no different when he returns for pre-season training with Leinster.
"Before this week, I was friends with the boys and I have been in contact with them, mostly with Darce (Gordon D'Arcy) and the other Leinster players although not this week because I have to wear my country colours," said Contepomi.
"But one thing rugby gives you is friendship and in a few weeks I will be back at Leinster, training with these players. My friendship with these men goes beyond rugby and I would not lose that, not even for one game."
Contepomi, who displayed his devotion to Leinster in January 2006 by playing just hours after his wife Paula gave birth to their daughter Catalina, does not believe that the Irish will be lacking in mental strength on Sunday, especially as for almost all the team it is their last crack at landing the Webb Ellis trophy.
"With any crisis in life, you can sink or swim," said Contepomi.
"They have to do a 'miracle' to score those four tries and don't let us score a bonus point, then they will be through and we will be out of the competition.
"So, when you are in that sort of situation, you can turn it positive if you have the mental strength.
"You have to see why they are in this situation, if there is a problem within the players or a problem on the outside.
"I doubt there is a problem between them (the players). The guys I know at Leinster are very easygoing, very united and so I can't imagine that there is a problem," added Contepomi, who earned his move to Leinster after a successful spell at English side Bristol.
For a man that has already accrued 42 points in this edition, including 12 in the stunning opening win over France, it is perhaps surprising the memory thusfar that Contepomi holds dearest to him in the tournament.
"It isn't any of my kicks, it is my tackle on Sebastien Chabal which remains for me as my brightest moment so far," admits Contepomi.
Contepomi remains adamant that the Argentine defence will remain resolute - they have yet to concede a try - and stop the Irish short of their target.
"The French played into our hands by playing it tight. We can be vulnerable if our opponents play it wide, but it is dashed difficult given our defence."
- AFP
