Six tries and a big win - but were Ireland ruthless?

Published8 hours ago

Before Ireland's Nations Championship game with Argentina, head coach Andy Farrell had been honest about where his side are less than a year out from the World Cup.

He admitted his team must improve if they are to challenge in Australia next year - a stark contrast to four years ago when they were riding the crest of a wave before they fell short in the quarter-finals.

Despite Mateo Carreras' early try, Ireland had far too much for Los Pumas in Dublin as they ran out 42-12 winners under the Friday night lights.

Hugo Keenan stole the headlines with his hat-trick, while Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast and Ronan Kelleher also crossed.

But despite scoring six tries and winning by a 30-point margin, Farrell was left wanting more.

Ireland had 59% territory throughout the game, and also edged possession, but did not score after the 55th minute when Kelleher rounded off a rolling maul.

"The scoreline is a good one because not many teams do that to Argentina, they are a dangerous side," Farrell said.

"I thought there was outstanding stuff and some clinical stuff, but I think the story of the game is we missed a chance to be ruthless.

"Having said that, the opportunities we had in the right end of the field showed the dominance in field position and territory."

Keenan hat-trick as six-try Ireland beat Pumas

• Published10 hours ago

Keenan hat-trick as six-try Ireland beat Pumas

Published10 hours ago

Keenan, Baird and Beirne reflect on win over Argentina

• Published8 hours ago

Keenan, Baird and Beirne reflect on win over Argentina

Published8 hours ago

One concern for Farrell will be an injury list - and a lengthy one at that.

Captain Sheehan was forced off in the first half after he failed a head injury assessment, although Farrell said he "seems fine in the dressing room".

Wing Robert Baloucoune also went off with a knock, while Sean Jansen sustained a "bang" to his knee and Josh van der Flier and Mack Hansen both have ankle concerns.

The injuries to Baloucoune, who departed in the 58th minute, and Hansen, who continued after receiving treatment, will be particularly concerning after the performance of Farrell's back three.

They had only played once together before, four years ago against South Africa, and Keenan's first try of the evening came off the back of a flowing move, when Baloucoune powered into space and found Hansen, who in turn set up the full-back to score.

That was the catalyst for Ireland's turnaround - and a hat-trick for Keenan in his first home match since the 2025 Six Nations came a year since Hansen's treble against Australia in Dublin.

All of Farrell's back three trio have struggled with injuries in the past year, and Friday's win was a glimpse of Ireland's attacking potential if they can stay fit and in form.

"I thought the back three were outstanding. Hugo Keenan, 22 months since he played here and didn't remember what side of the pitch we warmed up, which was a bit of an insult.

"He was immense. Same with Mack and Rob. They pace they put onto the ball and they were a threat. I'm delighted with the back three."

Ireland 'weathered the storm'

Beirne said that Argentina "came out firing" in Dublin as they chased a first away win over Ireland, something that came as no surprise to the Irish pack.

"We weathered the storm and got into how we wanted to play the game," said Beirne.

"What was pleasing about that was some of those tries were proper team tries and everyone was involved with them. That was the biggest takeaway from the game that."

But, like Farrell, the second row believes there is more to come at the attacking end of the pitch.

"We probably came away a little bit frustrated because we felt we didn't capitalise on a lot of the territory at the end of the game and the chances we had.

"That shows how good a performance it was to come away feeling like that."

After a bruising opener, Farrell will be forced to assess his squad ahead of Fiji's visit to Dublin on 14 November.

After that, world champions South Africa will be a stern test before the finals weekend in London to round out the international window.

He had offered Craig Casey a chance to impress at scrum-half as first-choice Jamison Gibson-Park returns to full fitness, and he impressed after a slow start.

Ulster back row Nick Timoney also put in a big performance, while Prendergast's showing at fly-half was also largely positive as he put his stamp on the 10 jersey.

When asked if the performances gave him food for thought for selections for the rest of the window, Farrell said: "Definitely, 100%.

"That's exactly what you are after going into next week.

"Having some good competition, we've had it for 10 days in training so how they performed highlights how they have been training.

"Whatever side we pick next week, they'll be competing to play the following week."

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