Ireland scored 10 tries against Namibia

Despite seeing his team thrashed 64-7 by the Irish, Waterston said he was more impressed by Argentina, who beat Namibia in their opening game.

"Argentina have a far harder pack, which is much more ruthless," he said.

"Ireland have been slow starters in their games so far as opposed to many other sides. Our showing against them was better than against Argentina."

Waterstone also attacked what he saw as negative play among the Irish team.

"Ireland do have better backs but Argentina play a much more positive game in the forwards - and they did not come up with any dirty play either," he said.

O'Connell to escape ban

That was a reference to the incident involving Munster lock Paul O'Connell, who Namibia allege deliberately trampled on opposite number Archie Graham during a maul.

The second-row claimed not to have seen his opponent and looks set to avoid any disciplinary action.

Waterston, meanwhile, is set to face disciplinary action from World Cup organisers after "unacceptable" comments about referees.

Waterston believes smaller nations are more heavily penalised when they played more established rugby powers.

"The tragedy is that if you're a ref and you want the big appointments you've got to lick the backsides of the top nations," Waterston said.

Rugby World Cup spokesman Chris Rea said organisers had taken a dim view of Waterston's comments.

"Those remarks are certainly deemed to be unacceptable as far as Rugby World Cup is concerned and an action is being considered by Rugby World Cup," Rea said.