KEY POINTS:
PARIS - Everyone knows about the luck of the Irish, seemingly born in a field of four leaf clovers, and in a world where there must be balance, it seems that Argentina's path has been crossed by a pride of black cats.
Despite being ranked fifth in the world, The Pumas have managed to be drawn in the same group as two more of the best six sides on the planet - a group somewhat predictably labelled the group of death.
And to make matters worse, for the third time in a row, they will kick-off the premier global tournament with a match against the fired-up hosts.
It seems unfair on a team that has tasted victory against all of the northern hemisphere sides and, although yet to enjoy success, they are getting closer to knocking over one of the big three southern hemisphere outfits.
And yet despite this impressive pedigree, the somewhat dubious World Cup seeding process sees them paired with France, ranked third in the world, and Ireland, sixth, in their pool with only two teams making it through to the knock-out stages.
What's more, they open with a match against hosts France at Paris's Stade de France - and history is against them, having lost to Wales in Cardiff in 1999 and Australia in Sydney four years later.
France are not only playing with home advantage but are considered the most likely contenders to the crown from the northern hemisphere while Brian O'Driscoll's Ireland are possibly the best team ever to come out of their country.
But it is not all doom and gloom for Argentina.
They have won four of their last five Tests against France - their only defeat a narrow one in Paris in November - and they did a double over Ireland in home Tests earlier this year, winning 22-20 in Santa Fe and 16-0 in Buenos Aires.
The big difference for Argentina is that they now have probably their most potent blend of youth and experience with the likes of Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Juan Manuel Leguizamon joining stalwarts such as Augustin Pichot, Felipe Contepomi and Juan Martin Hernandez.
And in coach Marcelo Loffredo, they have a shrewd tactician who has already been poached by English side Leicester once his World Cup adventure is over.
Loffredo is confident his team can cause a bang in the competition.
"It is extremely hard as both France and Ireland are at the peak of their games," he said in a recent Rugby World interview.
"But we are confident that we can arrive in Paris and put them to the sword.
"The minimum goal is to reach the quarter-finals. For this we shall need to be well-drilled in attack, with far more options than the ones we have seen so far from the team, and continue with our trademark: a strong pack which fights for each and every ball."
If they can make the most of their strengths, there is no reason that the Pumas cannot progress to the knock-out phases at the expense of either France or Ireland.
And if that is the case, there might not be a black cat to be seen in Buenos Aires.
COACH
Marcelo Loffreda
More than most Loffreda will be hoping to bow out of the World Cup in France in September and October with his reputation enhanced, before embarking on a new adventure. His hugely successful seven-year stint in charge of the Pumas will come to an end in October when he will take over the reins at English heavyweights Leicester.
Under the 47-year-old's tenure, Argentina have developed into one of the best teams in the world with possibly the most fearsome pack.
Their continued rise sees them currently ranked the fifth best team in the world, behind only New Zealand, Australia, France and South Africa, with reigning world champions England two places below the Pumas.
If Loffreda can steer the Pumas through the group of death, including France and Ireland, and into the knock-out stages, his reputation will soar even more.
KEY PLAYER
Juan Martin Hernandez, full-back
Argentina made be known for its fearsome pack and an abundance of props but it is the Pumas' full-back who is their stand-out player. Juan Martin Hernandez plys his trade in Paris at Stade Francais, so he will feel right at home when Argentina kick-off the tournament against the hosts in the French capital.
While veteran Augustin Pichot, set to take part in his fourth World Cup, is probably the Pumas' most renowned player, Hernandez is probably their most talented. It says a lot about his ability that Hernandez, widely regarded as the best full-back plying his trade in France by both French and Argentine media, considers himself to be a fly-half.
He is unlikely to get his wish during the World Cup but despite his frustrations at being played out of position, it is testament to his commitment to the cause that he has knuckled down and got on his job without complaining.
- AFP
