Ireland's preparations for Sunday's crucial encounter with Argentina began in unpromising fashion today, when Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara were forced out of an open training session in Bordeaux.

O'Driscoll, the Ireland skipper, limped off an hour into the session and appeared to be troubled by his right hamstring, hobbling around before leaving the pitch for treatment.

O'Gara, meanwhile, arrived at the Stade Bordelais with the squad but took no part in the session, spending it in the dug-out. Girvan Dempsey also took no part as he continues his recovery from the bang to his collarbone sustained during the defeat against France.

In yet another scare for Ireland, Jerry Flannery fell to the floor following a heavy collision with Simon Best that left the Munster hooker in considerable pain. After several minutes Flannery returned to his feet and an ice pack was placed over his neck and he took no further part in training.

Ireland's coach Eddie O'Sullivan names his team to face Argentina at lunchtime tomorrow.