Argentina's Felipe Contepomi dimisses All Blacks' win over Ireland

Head coach Felipe Contepomi says Argentina have only a “slim” chance of toppling Ireland as he bids to mastermind another impressive scalp on his return to Dublin.

Former Leinster fly-half Contepomi has guided Los Pumas to a series of statement results in 2024, winning away to New Zealand, in addition to beating France, Australia and world champions South Africa.

Andy Farrell’s hosts go into their second autumn fixture on the back of a deflating 23-13 defeat to the All Blacks.

Yet Contepomi, who guided his side to a record 50-18 win away to Italy last weekend, insists producing an upset at the Aviva Stadium will be a tall order.

Asked if he sensed an opportunity based on Ireland’s previous outing, the 47-year-old said: “No, no, not at all.

“We know it’s a slim opportunity but it’s there. Every game starts from zero.

“What happened in the last game is nothing to do with what’s going to happen on Friday.

“Ireland are not a bad team from one game to another and we are not a great team because we played one great game.

“We are only building our team, we have done some good things, we have a lot of things to improve and Ireland probably have things that they would like to get right on Friday.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge and we know what we are coming up against.”

Contepomi stepped up from attack coach to replace Michael Cheika following Argentina’s fourth-placed finish at last year’s Rugby World Cup.

Then Argentina's assistant coach Felipe Contepomi speaks during a press conference at the Stade de France in Saint Denis, on October 19, 2023, on the eve of the France 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between New Zealand and Argentina. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Los Pumas, who defeated Ireland at the 1999, 2007 and 2015 tournaments, currently sit fifth in the Test rankings but have never before won away to the reigning Six Nations champions.

Asked for his assessment of Ireland’s loss to New Zealand, Contepomi said: “I think it was a tough game.

“Two of the best teams in the world were playing against each other and you were going to see a very intense, hard (game) and at the breakdown it was carnage. It was a good encounter to watch.

“New Zealand were a bit more pragmatic and solid in certain areas. It all goes to those fine moments that New Zealand got the right side (of), full stop.”

Friday’s sold-out showdown promises to be a special occasion for Contepomi, who played for Leinster between 2003 and 2009 before later serving as the province’s attack coach.

He also has a son and a daughter who were born in Ireland.

“It’s always good to be back in Dublin,” said Contepomi.

“I love Dublin and Ireland. I’ve had time to catch up with a few old friends. Many milestones in my life happened here in Ireland, definitely. I spent 10 years here.

“It’s a lot of my adulthood. I’ve got really good memories, fond memories.

“(But) it’s not about me bringing the national team here. We have the chance, as Argentina, to play against one of the best teams in the last few years.”