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Ireland secured a convincing 42-12 victory over Argentina under the Friday night lights in Dublin, scoring six tries in their Nations Championship encounter. Despite the 30-point margin, head coach Andy Farrell expressed that his team missed an opportunity to be completely ruthless ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Farrell Wants More From Dominant Display
Mateo Carreras opened the scoring with an early try for Los Pumas, but Ireland quickly took control of the match. Hugo Keenan led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast, and Ronan Kelleher also crossed the try line.
Ireland controlled 59% of the territory and edged possession, yet they failed to add any points after Kelleher completed a rolling maul in the 55th minute. Speaking to BBC Sport, Andy Farrell acknowledged the quality of the opposition and the positive aspects of his team’s performance, but noted that they ultimately left points on the field.
“The scoreline is a good one because not many teams do that to Argentina, they are a dangerous side,” Farrell stated, as reported by BBC Sport. “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.”
Injury Concerns and Back Three Performance
A significant downside for Ireland was a growing injury list emerging from the physical fixture. Captain Dan Sheehan exited in the first half following a failed head injury assessment, though Farrell noted he appeared fine in the dressing room.
Additional injuries affected winger Robert Baloucoune, who departed in the 58th minute with a knock, Sean Jansen who sustained a knee impact, and Josh van der Flier and Mack Hansen who both experienced ankle issues. The fitness concerns for the back three are particularly pressing given their impressive display, having only previously started together once four years ago against South Africa.
Keenan’s first try stemmed from a sweeping move initiated by Baloucoune and assisted by Hansen. Reflecting on their display, Farrell praised the trio’s impact, stating they provided great pace and threat on the ball.
Player Reactions and Squad Competition
Second row Tadhg Beirne told BBC Sport that Argentina tested them early on as the visitors chased their first away win against Ireland. Beirne noted that the team weathered the early pressure and executed desired team tries, while echoing the sentiment that the squad left some attacking territory unexploited.
The match offered opportunities for fringe players, with Craig Casey featuring at scrum-half as Jamison Gibson-Park regains full fitness. Nick Timoney delivered a strong performance in the back row, and fly-half Sam Prendergast produced a largely positive outing.
Farrell confirmed that the performances provided valuable selection dilemmas ahead of upcoming fixtures. Ireland will host Fiji on November 14, followed by a match against world champions South Africa before concluding the international window at the finals weekend in London.
