Casey likely to be fit to play

The Irish management is hopeful Robert Casey will be available for tomorrow's second pool match against Argentina. The big second row is receiving intensive physiotherapy for his ankle injury.

There are likely to be three or four changes to the Ireland team, but that side will not be announced until the day of the match.

Argentina proved gallant losers before a crowd of 3,000 in a 36-21 defeat by New Zealand. The All Black Colts scored four tries (it earns them a bonus point) in a polished and formidable display. They led 31-9 before the home side rallied from hooker Lecot, clawing back to 31-21.

New Zealand lead Pool A with five points followed by France (4), Ireland (1) and Argentina (0).

In Pool B, South Africa thrashed Six Nations champions Wales 489, and Australia, the defending champions, overcame a gritty English challenge 27-11. South Africa lead on five points, Australia have four with Wales and England on zero.

Lawrence Dallaglio rejoins his England colleagues for the first time since drug allegations were made against him when the squad gather for preliminary World Cup fitness tests near Twickenham today. Coach Clive Woodward will not know if his former captain will be available for World Cup duty in October until an English RFU inquiry reports on the newspaper allegations that Dallaglio dealt and took drugs.