AS Ireland slump to their lowest world ranking in 18 months, Gordon D'Arcy has warned that Argentina will pose a serious threat to Irish side's attempts to improve on their dismal run of seven defeats in their last eight matches.

“Looking at their results, especially the French one at the weekend, it shows what a challenge we have this weekend,” said the injured centre, who is hoping to shake off a calf knock to take his place in the side.

Tommy Bowe (calf) has declared himself fit but Brian |O'Driscoll (shoulder) will be assessed today as the team re-assembles in Dublin, with Irish coach Declan Kidney considering a 24-hour delay his team announcement until Thursday.

“Argentina just always seem to make it especially hard to break them down and to run France so close on French soil is a good indicator of what they can bring to the Aviva on Sunday,” he said.

Argentina's preparations have been overshadowed by news that five rugby players with Argentine club side San Miguel were killed in a road accident in the country on Sunday.