Jacobsen expects pack test as Scots look to extend run

A win for Scotland will be a sixth in a row for Andy Robinson’s men – a feat not achieved since the 1989-90 Grand Slam-winning season – and maintain the record of reaching at least the quarter-finals at every World Cup.

However, familiar foes Argentina must win the match to keep their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout phase.

It is sure to be a physical confrontation between two well-acquainted teams – since Scotland were knocked out of the 2007 tournament by the Pumas, the sides have met five times.

Edinburgh loosehead Jacobsen has played in all five fixtures, three of which resulted in victory for Scotland, including the two most recent encounters in Argentina 15 months ago.

Jacobsen, who turned 31 this week, said: “It feels like one of the biggest games I’ve played for Scotland, playing Argentina in a World Cup – it’s like a cup final in the group.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve played Argentina five times in the last four years.

“Each time whoever’s come out on top up front has gone on to win – there’s no doubt it will be the same on Sunday night.”

Jacobsen will be lining up alongside hooker Ross Ford and tighthead prop Geoff Cross in the front row, with Jim Hamilton and Richie Gray selected at second row and tournament captain Alastair Kellock omitted from the matchday 22, with the versatile Nathan Hines named on the replacements’ bench.

Jacobsen is confident Scotland have the power at their disposal in the key second row spots.

He added: “We’ve got four great locks in this squad and it’s been shown over the last couple of years that any of them can play and do the job. It’s just the guys that have been picked have been picked to do a job and I’m sure they’ll do that.”

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi is prepared to battle through the pain barrier in order to ensure the Pumas’ World Cup campaign does not end prematurely.

The 34-year-old suffered a rib injury in the opening 13-9 Pool B loss to England, a result which means Argentina must beat Scotland to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages.

Ireland’s next assignment may lack the lustre of a high-profile showdown with Australia – which they won to take control of Pool C – but Decalan Kidney insists Russia will be treated with equal respect. The two meet at Rotorua International Stadium tomorrow and Kidney is refusing to take comfort from Russia’s 53-17 thumping by Italy earlier in the week.

“If we win 3-0 I’ll be happy. If we’re capable of beating Australia, we’re also capable of losing to Russia,” he said.

“We’ve had enough experience by now to know that at World Cups there are no easy matches.

“Italy picked up a few early scores that knocked Russia back, but once Russia got themselves into it, it was a different game.

“Russia scored three tries against Italy the other night, we only scored two against them in February.

“If you enter any of these matches half-cocked, it’s going to be a miserable night. That’s happened before. If we get the approach right, then we have the ability to get a result, but I’m not thinking that we’ll be running away with it.”

Lions lock Alun-Wyn Jones may have to answer a possible selection SOS from Wales coach Warren Gatland against World Cup opponents Namibia on Monday.

Jones has spent time training at blindside flanker this week ahead of the Pool D clash as Gatland ponders his back-row. Dan Lydiate is recovering from ankle ligament damage , Ryan Jones is fit but untested and Sam Warburton is in need of a rest.