Ireland vs Argentina preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to Ireland's quarter final clash with the Pumas at the Millennium Stadium

(Getty Images)

Ireland will look to win their first Rugby World Cup quarter final when they go toe to toe with Argentina at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Irish have never looked more likely to progress beyond the last eight, despite losing several key players to injury in a belligerent battle with Les Blues last weekend, while Argentina will be eager to build on their impresive perfromances in the pool stages and reach the semi finals for the first time since 2007.

It’s a big game for…

Iain Henderson: After Paul O’Connell's legendary international career was brought to an abrupt end by a serious hamstrig injury, 23-year-old Henderson has a prime opportunity to demonstrate himself as the future of the Ireland second row. He has a long way to go to match O’Connell’s 108 caps but given the chance he will shine as brightly as possible.

Teams...

Argentina: Joaquin Tuculet; Santiago Cordero, Matías Moroni, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Leonardo Senatore, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Pablo Matera; Tomas Lavaninni, Guido Petti; Ramiro Herrera, Agustin Creevy, Marcos Ayerza.

Replacements: Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera Paz, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Matías Alemanno, Facundo Isa, Tomas Cubelli, Jerónimo De la Fuente, Lucas Amorisino

Ireland: Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry, Jordi Murphy; Iain Henderson, Devin Toner; Mike Ross, Rory Best, Cian Healy.

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Donnacha Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald.

Best stat…

2:1 - These two sides have faced each other three times in the World Cup, with Argentina winning twice and Ireland prevailing once. In 2007, the margin of victory was 15 points to the Pumas. The previous two fixtures were decided by less than five points.

Remember when…

Argentina and Ireland collided in the World Cup? Summer and Autumn international form means nothing in a World Cup and there have been some incredible fixtures between these two sides in the tournaent's history. Watch some of the highlights of the previous three contests on the biggest stage.

Player to watch…

Santiago Cordero: the 21-year-old winger has already shown his potential, having been capped by the Barbarians at a young age. He scored twice in Argentina’s clash against Georgia and managed to cross the line once again against Tonga.

Past three-meetings…

Argentina 17 (Tucelet, Amorosino) – Ireland 23 (Zebo, Madigan) Summer internationals, June 2014

Argentina 17 (Montero, de la Vega) – Ireland 29 (Henry, Sexton, Trimble) Summer Internationals June 2014.

Ireland 46 (Gilroy, Strauss, Zebo, Sexton (2), Bowe (2)) – Argentina 24 (Leonardi, Fernandez Lobbe) Autumn Internationals November 2012.

Path to the World Cup quarter finals…

Argentina: LWWW. Pool C runners up.

Ireland: WWWW. Pool D winners.

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 13.00 Sunday 18th October

TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV.