Wednesday 14 October 2015 16:57, UK
Ireland are "quietly confident" that fly-half Jonny Sexton will be fit to face Argentina in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final in Cardiff.
The Irish are already without a trio of key forwards for the Millennium Stadium clash and key play maker Sexton is also a doubt after he was forced off during Sunday's win over France with a groin strain.
However, the Leinster man spent Wednesday's Ireland training session running, boosting his chances of being named in Friday's starting line-up.
It's do-or-die type stuff, so there might be some allowances around a few things. Our medical staff and strength and conditioners, they've got a good feel on things as well.
And scrum coach Greg Feek hinted that the "do-or-die" nature of Sunday may make it more likely that Sexton will be risked.
"Johnny did about three-and-a-half kilometres of running today, so that's a positive," Feek said on Wednesday.
"We're quietly confident and we'll see how he goes on Friday.
"In the Six Nations you usually get two matches and then a week off, while in November you get three (matches), but you can still mix it around.
"But here it's do-or-die type stuff, so there might be some allowances around a few things. Our medical staff and strength and conditioners, they've got a good feel on things as well."
Ireland will be without injured forwards Paul O'Connell and Peter O'Mahony for the remainder of their World Cup campaign, while flanker Sean O'Brien is banned for the match against the Pumas.
And centre Keith Earls had a bruising battle with French powerhouse Mathieu Bastareaud last weekend before being taken off with just under 20 minutes left.
Feek said: "We're going to see how he goes. We're looking after him a bit and it's not too bad but we'll see how he goes on Friday as well.
"He's just a bit battered, that's all. It's not too bad.
"At this stage, you want to do the best to make sure everyone is fit and available."
Some Ireland squad members who began the tournament as back-up players are sure to feature heavily on Sunday but Feek is unperturbed.
"We've got guys sitting there raring to go," he said. "Some guys haven't played much.
"You've heard the mantra about the collective and that's something this team prides itself on."
