Hugo Keenan hat-trick inspired Ireland to a commanding 42-12 win over Argentina in the Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night. The full-back crossed three times as Andy Farrell’s side ran in six tries to secure a bonus-point victory in Dublin.
Early setback and swift response
Argentina struck first in the 10th minute when wing Mateo Carreras gathered a pinpoint Tomás Albornoz kick-pass to touch down. The conversion was missed, but the Pumas held a 5-0 lead.
Ireland needed only five minutes to reply. A counter-ruck led by Craig Casey set the platform, and slick handling from Robert Baloucoune and Mack Hansen sent Keenan over for his first try. Sam Prendergast added the extras to put the hosts ahead.
Three turnovers in quick succession kept Ireland on the front foot. Nick Timoney won a breakdown penalty near his own line, Tadhg Beirne stole an Argentina lineout, and Timoney repeated the trick on halfway. From the resulting lineout, Dan Sheehan finished a well-worked move to extend the lead to 14-5.
Keenan doubles up as Ireland take control
Another Ryan Baird lineout steal sparked Ireland’s third try five minutes later. Keenan showed strength to power through several defenders and touch down for his second, with Prendergast converting to make it 21-5.
Argentina’s discipline faltered when centre Justo Piccardo was sin-binned for a cynical penalty, failing to retreat 10 metres from a Sheehan quick tap. Ireland could not add a fourth try before the break, though Sheehan was illegally stopped in the corner by replacement Leonel Oviedo. Referee Luke Pearce awarded a penalty only, deeming a penalty try unnecessary.
Bonus point wrapped up early in second half
Ireland clinched the bonus point less than two minutes after the restart. With Argentina temporarily down two backs, Prendergast sold a dummy to Marcos Kremer and raced in from deep. Prendergast converted his own try.
The Pumas hit back four minutes later through Carreras’ second try, created by a Santiago Chocobares break. Albornoz converted to cut the gap to 28-12.
Normal service resumed when Beirne won another breakdown penalty deep in Argentina territory. Quick hands from Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy and Baird released Keenan to dive over for his third try, completing his hat-trick in the 50th minute. Prendergast’s conversion made it 35-12.
Argentina’s troubles deepened when replacement lock Efraín Elias was shown a yellow card for a shoulder-to-head tackle on Keenan, spotted by the TMO. From the next lineout, Ireland drove a maul at pace and replacement hooker Ronan Kelleher finished the sixth try. Ciaran Frawley converted to complete the scoring.
Farrell wants more ruthlessness
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was pleased with the win but highlighted the need for greater ruthlessness. He told reporters that six tries to two said a lot about the performance, while noting his side must learn from the first game of the season and become more clinical.
Farrell also praised players who had been away from international rugby, including Keenan, Baird, Andrew Porter and Hansen.
Player of the match Keenan admitted it had been tough watching from the sidelines for 21 months and was delighted to be back at the Aviva Stadium. He credited his team-mates for creating his three tries and said there was still plenty to work on despite the 30-point margin.
Tadhg Beirne felt Ireland were very good in patches but could have taken more from the game. He described the win as a great starting point and stressed the need to keep improving ahead of the next Tests.
What’s next
Ireland face Fiji in their second Nations Championship match at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, November 14 (8.10pm kick-off). They then host South Africa on Saturday, November 21 (4.40pm kick-off).
Argentina travel to Genoa to play Italy on Saturday, November 14 (11.40am GMT kick-off).
