Ireland camp rumours 'a distraction', admits O'Callaghan
Donncha O'Callaghan has rubbished speculation over unrest within the Ireland camp - but admits it has been a distraction.
Ireland have been swamped by rumours of simmering tensions and disillusionment during a hugely disappointing World Cup group campaign.
The greatest controversy has surrounded Ronan O'Gara - with the Munster fly-half rejecting accusations of gambling and marital problems after Friday's 25-3 defeat by France.
O'Callaghan said: "There isn't any unrest in the camp and all the talk has been bit of a nuisance to the squad, a distraction.
"It's unfair on the players involved. It's been something we didn't need at this time."
O'Callaghan has praised the resilience shown by O'Gara as his Munster colleague tackles the most challenging period of his career.
The Munster lock said: "It's terrible and shows how professional he is because if I was in his position I don't think I could be as strong mentally as he is.
"All credit to him because last week his eyes were totally on France.
"I can't speak highly enough of him - he rolls up his sleeves and gets on with it."
Ireland's miserable World Cup is in danger of limping to an inglorious conclusion against Argentina at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
But O'Callaghan hopes his side can put a harrowing four weeks behind them and repay the loyalty shown by supporters by toppling the Pumas.
He said: "All the goodwill we've received from home in texts, faxes and e-mails has really lifted the squad.
"I just thank the people who have got behind us. Maybe we feel like apologising for our displays but no-one goes out to play poorly.
"Hopefully we'll be able to play better on Sunday to thank the people who have been so kind to us.
"The fellas are down after losing to France. It's hard to put your finger on why the team is underperforming like it is.
"It comes down to the players ourselves. It's disappointing to come to this stage in your rugby career and not play like you know you can."
To progress to the quarter-finals, Ireland require a bonus-point victory at the Parc des Princes on Sunday and must defeat Argentina by more than seven points.
O'Callaghan added: "There is no fear in the squad. We have to play Argentina who haven't conceded a try yet and we have to score four against them.
"It's a huge task but we still have a chance. We've spoken of producing a big performance.
"The fellas are down but we'll pick ourselves up because we're in the last week and train unusually hard and give it everything."
