Ireland 22-19 Argentina: Hosts scrape hard-fought victory to kickstart Autumn Nations Series campaign

Ireland bounced back from their defeat to New Zealand last weekend, defeating Argentina in Dublin - but it wasn't without difficulty. Argentina pushed Ireland incredibly hard in the Autumn Nations Series clash, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, after the hosts made a superb start. Ireland had two tries within six minutes and a third before the break, before the Pumas bit back.

Ireland got back to winning ways, but only after holding on for a narrow 22-19 victory over Argentina at Aviva Stadium.

Andy Farrell’s side made a positive response to last week’s defeat by New Zealand, with tries from Jack Crowley, Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy putting them 22-9 to the good at half-time.

However, an early second-half try from Juan Cruz Mallia set up a nervy finish for the hosts, who just about held out to scrape over the line.

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Ireland survived an early scare with Matias Moroni’s early try ruled out following a TMO (Television Match Official) review, which penalised the centre’s head-on-head challenge on Crowley.

With Moroni sent to the bin, the hosts immediately capitalised with Crowley and Hansen crossing in the space of two minutes.

Although Tomas Albornoz’s left foot reduced Argentina’s deficit to 15-9, McCarthy touched down in the 33rd minute to restore the hosts’ breathing space.

The Pumas appeared rejuvenated after the interval and Mallia’s superb individual try cut the gap to 22-16 and, with McCarthy sin-binned not long afterwards, Albornoz moved the visitors within three points of their opponents.

Argentina carried the greater threat of the two sides in the latter stages, but Ireland did just about enough to keep them at bay.

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Talking Point – Ireland bounce back, albeit unconvincingly

After suffering their first defeat in 20 home matches last week, Farrell stuck with 14 of the 15 players that started against New Zealand.

Ireland’s inability to capitalise on a numerical advantage was evident seven days ago, but they reversed that this time around, with two tries within a few minutes of Moroni going to the bin.

Although, their discipline was lacking a little once more, the hosts conceding over 10 fouls during the contest.

But, to their credit, Ireland dug deep amid a dominant second-half display from Argentina, to extend their unbeaten streak against the Pumas on home soil to 11 matches.

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Player of the Match – Joe McCarthy (Ireland)

One of the game’s four try scorers and four players to be sent to the sin bin, it was an eventful day at the office for McCarthy.

The lock made 35 metres, 14 tackles and 11 carries, with his contribution playing a significant role in getting the hosts back to winning ways.

Player Ratings

Ireland: Keenan 7, Hansen 7, Ringrose 7, Henshaw 7, Lowe 7, Crowley 8, Gibson-Park 7; Porter 7, Kelleher 7, Bealham 6, McCarthy 8*, Ryan 7, Beirne 7, Van der Flier 7, Doris 7. Replacements: Herring 6, Healy 6, Clarkson 8, Baird 5, O'Mahony 6, Casey 6, Prendergast 7, Osborne 6.

Argentina: Mallia 8, Isgro 7, Conti 7, Moroni 7, Delguy 6, Albornoz 8, Bertranou 7; Gallo 7, Montoya 7, Sclavi 7, Petti 7, Rubiolo 7, Matera 7, Gonzalez 7, Oviedo 7. Replacements: Ruiz 6, Calles 6, Gomez Kodela 5, Molina 6, Grondona 6, Garcia 6, Carreras 6, Piccardo 6.

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Match Highlights

3' YELLOW CARD: The hosts make a purposeful start and apply the early pressure, but Argentina go straight down the other end and Moroni eventually touches down. However, play goes back to Moroni's rash head-on-head challenge on Crowley. Following a TMO review, the try is ruled out and the Argentina centre is sent to the bin, with the decision being looked at further.

5' TRY! IRELAND 7-0 ARGENTINA (CROWLEY): Ireland strike first in Dublin! Crowley finds touch and the hosts push from the lineout, with the fly-half crossing to the right of the posts. He then makes no mistake with his conversion.

7' TRY! IRELAND 12-0 ARGENTINA (HANSEN): The hosts are absolutely flying! Ireland immediately push again from the restart and Beirne is found in unmarked on the left. He feeds Hansen, who touches down. Crowley's conversion attempt from a tight angle is a fine one, but just marginally short.

33' TRY! IRELAND 22-9 ARGENTINA (McCARTHY): Ireland back in the ascendancy as they make their pressure tell, with McCarthy stretching over the line for his second international try. Crowley fires over the conversion.

46' TRY! IRELAND 22-16 ARGENTINA (MALLIA): The Pumas are back in it, and they are in superb fashion. Mallia brilliantly weaves in and out of challenges before surging for the line, and touching down under the posts. Bertranou converts once again.

Key Stats

Cian Healy became Ireland’s joint-leading appearance maker, after earning his 133rd cap – moving level with Brian O’Driscoll.

Ireland are now unbeaten in all 11 of their home matches against Argentina, who have won just one of the last 10 meetings overall.

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