Ireland survived a potentially-fraught encounter at Croke Park this afternoon

to guarantee their inclusion among the second seeds at the 2011 World Cup draw.

Ronan O'Gara kicked 12 points with Ireland having to wait until the final

quarter to break the resistance of a typically stubborn Argentina.

A match short on quality was balanced on a knife edge until the Irish pack

eventually assumed control, pounding the Pumas into submission with Tommy Bowe's

late try sealing victory.

For all his contribution to the scoreboard O'Gara endured another disappointing

afternoon that suggested his pre-match rallying cry was ill-advised.

The Lions fly-half had grabbed the headlines by declaring Ireland lack the

pride and passion that is a hallmark of his province Munster.

But he failed to deliver himself this afternoon, with three penalties and a

drop-goal earning the man of the match award but failing to mask an erratic

afternoon full of errors.