Ireland bounced back from a loss to New Zealand with a hard fought for victory over Argentina in Dublin. Andy Farrell’s men started quickly and scored the opening two tries to take a 12-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes.
Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz kept the Pumas in touch with three successive penalty kicks from the boot and brought the match within three points before his opposite number Jack Crowley slotted in a fine drop goal.
The teams traded blows but Joe McCarthy went over for Ireland’s third try and took them into the break with a healthy lead. Argentina are a second half team though.
Ireland didn’t score a point in the second half and were made to dig deep as the Pumas scored a beautiful try from Juan Cruz Mallia. With the score at 22-19, Ireland held on over two minutes of added time before the result was theirs.
Relive the latest from the Aviva Stadium in our live blog below:
Ireland vs Argentina LIVE
Ireland defeat Argentina 22-19 Dublin
45’ TRY! Argentina strike first in second half (IRE 22-16 ARG)
32’ TRY! McCarthy increases Ireland’s lead (IRE 22-9 ARG)
6’ TRY! Hansen adds another five from the wing (IRE 12-0 ARG)
4’ TRY! Crowley scores first try after Moroni yellow card (IRE 7-0 ARG)
Ireland hold off Argentina fightback to return to winning ways in Dublin
22:36 , Mike Jones
Ireland survived a major scare as they kickstarted their autumn campaign by holding off a spirited Argentina side to return to winning ways with an unconvincing 22-19 victory in Dublin.
Andy Farrell’s men were seeking a response to being knocked off the top of the world rankings following last week’s deflating defeat to New Zealand.
Fly-half Jack Crowley claimed the opening try at the Aviva Stadium and also kicked seven points, including a superb drop goal, to supplement first-half scores from Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy.
More from Doris
22:27 , Mike Jones
“They are different things. I was guilty of a few offsides. When you are under pressure against quality teams you are bound to make a couple of errors. There was definitely some avoidable ones in there. They are the ones we need to look at.
“We want a better performance. Discipline is one thing that needs to improve but we are continuing to grow as a group. I think today was a bit of a step up from last week but we feel like there is definitely more in us. A more complete performance is what we are asking for over the next couple of weeks, and we’re going to need it.”
Ireland captain Caelan Doris, speaking to TNT Sports:
22:26 , Mike Jones
“It went right down to the wire there. We were happy with how it started. There was a good feeling through the warm-up and that carried over to the start. I felt we were in a pretty good position at half time and their quality showed in the second half.
“It was back and forth and our discipline was probably a factor again. We got the result, which was the most pleasing thing after last week.”
More from McCarthy
22:26 , Mike Jones
Joe McCarthy was named man of the match and explained what he liked about Ireland’s performance. He said: “I suppose just the fight to stay in it. We know how good Argentina are, we knew they were going to be super-tough. The lads were unbelievable to dig in today.
“There’s a lot to work on. It wasn’t perfect but we were happy to get in with it. A huge two next games. It will be massive. We’ll enjoy tonight but be back into work on Monday.”
Reaction from Joe McCarthy
22:17 , Mike Jones
Ireland’s Joe McCarthy, speaking to TNT Sports, said: “I just wanted to say a big thanks to all the crowd here. There’s been a thing about the Aviva and the atmosphere but you were amazing today.
“We were really sorry that we disappointed you last week. We really wanted to show how much it means to us. We really appreciate your support, it means the world to us. Thank you.”
Full-time! Ireland 22-19 Argentina
22:04 , Mike Jones
Ireland cling on!
Argentina go 40 metres with the clock in the red but the ball goes forward and Argetina give up possession. The game ends and Ireland manage to get the win.
A superb match but Ireland take a hard-fought for victory.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:59 , Mike Jones
78 mins: Ireland kick for territory and look to squeeze Argentina in their own half. They’ve got a man advantage and can take their time with these phases.
The longer they hold onto the ball the closer they get to this win.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:56 , Mike Jones
75 mins: Time is ticking away from Argentina but they’ve got possession. A kick out to the right wing is won by Ireland with Ringrose securing the ball.
The TMO is asked to get involved after a tackle from Francisco Gomez Kodela on Caelan Doris. It’s a yellow card and his off the field!
The Pumas are down to 14 for the final five minutes.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:52 , Mike Jones
73 mins: Argentina turn over the ball! They dominate a counter ruck and scramble over the ball to nick it from the home. That came after 12 phases or so.
Can they get up the pitch quickly? No. Ireland come at them again after a lineout.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:49 , Mike Jones
70 mins: 10 minutes to play with Ireland rolling the dice a few metres from the line. They tap and run with the intent to get through the middle.
Argentina defend phase after phase with Ireland slowly getting forced back. They’re going nowhere and need a bit of inspiration.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:47 , Mike Jones
67 mins: No headway for Ireland at all in this half. Especially when it comes to points scored. Argentina have closed the gap to three with the Irish yet to reply.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:44 , Mike Jones
64 mins: There’s been a couple of knocks and injuries whcih have slowed down the game. Ireland have the ball and feed a scrum. It results in a penalty for the hosts and they kick for field position.
Better from Ireland.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:40 , Mike Jones
61 mins: Jack Crowley goes off after an impressive night and is replaced by debutant Sam Prendergast. The 21-year-old is a talented player and has a big 20 minutes coming up.
Can he lead Ireland to victory here?
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:36 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Lucio Cinti gets clattered by a dominant tackle and drops the ball. It’s a knock on and Ireland get the ball back for a scrum. They need a bit of time on the ball here.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:30 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Oh dear. Mack Hansen chucks the ball straight out of play as Argentina’s pressure continues to force errors and mistakes from the Irish.
That was a hugely wayward pass. There’s a nervous energy filling up the stadium now.
Ireland 22-19 Argentina
21:27 , Mike Jones
51 mins: Joe McCarthy is offside! He’s sent to the sin bin with a yellow card as Ireland have accummulated a number of penalties in quick succession.
Argentina decide to kick and make it a three point game.
Ireland 22-16 Argentina
21:24 , Mike Jones
48 mins: Ireland’s mistakes won’t do them any favours. They need to win tonight to reignite belief in the fans. The next 10 minutes could be crucial.
The hosts need to weather this Argentinian storm.
TRY! Ireland 22-16 Argentina (Juan Cruz Mallia, 45 mins)
21:22 , Mike Jones
A couple of Irish knock ons – more handling errors are creeping into their game – give the ball up to Argentina who fling it inside.
Juan Cruz Mallia catches the ball after a run from deep. He skips out of a tackle, dummies and steps past another defender then flies to the line, diving in under the sticks.
Ireland 22-9 Argentina
21:19 , Mike Jones
43 mins: Argentina’s tactics in this half are to run the ball but their progress is slow. They’re being held in the middle of the pitch. James Ryan gives up a penalty and Argentina kick into the 22.
They then fluff up the lineout and Ireland regain possession.
Second half! Ireland 22-9 Argentina
21:16 , Mike Jones
The Pumas get the match back underway. Can they strike first in this half?
HT Ireland 22-9 Argentina
21:14 , Mike Jones
Ireland’s defence has frustrated Argentina and they haven’t been able to assert themselves on the game. The Pumas come alive in the final 20 minutes though so they’ll have the legs and physicality to get through to the end of the game.
Can Ireland match them?
HT Ireland 22-9 Argentina
21:07 , Mike Jones
(REUTERS)
(Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Half-time! Ireland 22-9 Argentina
21:01 , Mike Jones
The clock moves into the red as Argentina tap-and-go from the penalty. They’re desperate to get over the line here but Ireland are making things difficult.
They turn over the ball and boot it into touch. A fine first half for the hosts.
Ireland 22-9 Argentina
20:58 , Mike Jones
38 mins: Argentina’s turn for a bit of pressure. They go throughthe phases and win a penalty advantage! Another kick to touch keeps the pressure on Ireland.
A try here woulc reignite this game.
TRY! Ireland 22-9 Argentina (Joe McCarthy, 32 mins)
20:51 , Mike Jones
Quick hands is the key to this. Ireland release the ball from the lineout rapidly and fly towards the line. An offload fizzes the ball into the hands of Joe McCarthy who bounces off a tackle then drops into the try zone.
Jack Crowley adds the two and this start gets even better for the hosts.
Ireland 15-9 Argentina
20:49 , Mike Jones
31 mins: The Pumas turn the ball over and kick it out of play for a little bit of respite. Last-ditch defending from the visitors but they’re making the Irish work hard for every minor victory.
Ireland 15-9 Argentina
20:48 , Mike Jones
29 mins: Ireland are piling on the pressure yet again. They get inside the 22 and boot the ball into touch from a penalty to gain more territory.
A driving maul develops from a lineout but Argentina hold them up. Phase after phase ticks by with Ireland trying to force their way through from five metres out.
Argentina will not be moved.
Ireland 15-9 Argentina
20:44 , Mike Jones
25 mins: The game management from Ireland has been solid. They’ve been at a disadvantage after Bealham’s sin binning but have held onto the ball for the majority of the 10 minutes he’s been absent.
The hosts give up another penalty and Argentina stay in touch from 40 metres out. The boots of Tomas Albornoz are keeping the Pumas in the contest.
Ireland 15-6 Argentina
20:40 , Mike Jones
23 mins: It’s smart play from the Irish fly-half. There’s a bit of breathing space on the scoreboard now and Ireland will know Argentina’s forward line will come at them at the earliest opportunity.
Ireland 15-6 Argentina
20:38 , Mike Jones
21 mins: Oh wow! Ireland mess up their lineout and are forced deeper and deeper down the field. The ball comes to Jack Crowley who decides to kick.
He smokes a drop goal and sends it fizzing between the sticks to add three more points.
Ireland 12-6 Argentina
20:37 , Mike Jones
20 mins: Ireland’s discipline has dropped off slightly as the game becomes more physically tasking. Argentina give up a penalty for a foul on Hansen.
Crowley kicks for touch and this is another good chance for the hosts to put some pressure on.
Ireland 12-6 Argentina
20:34 , Mike Jones
17 mins: Finlay Bealham is shown a yellow card for a croc-rolling tackle which is illegal. Ireland are now down to 14 for the next 10 minutes.
Tomas Albornoz is going to kick for goal. He makes it! Argentina are within one score again.
Ireland 12-3 Argentina
20:31 , Mike Jones
15 mins: The hosts are really trying to make their presence felt. Plenty of heavy runs into the defenders which are wearing the Pumas down.
Robbie Henshaw sweeps a superb pass out to the left wing as Ireland get an overload. Tadhg Beirne lunges for the try zone but spills the ball in a knock on as he attempts to ground it.
Goalline drop out to Argentina.
Ireland 12-3 Argentina
20:26 , Mike Jones
12 mins: Moroni’s yellow card hasn’t been upgraded. An offside from Ireland awards Argentina the chance to kick for goal and fly-half Tomas Albornoz takes it with aplomb.
Straight down the middle and the Pumas get their first points on the board.
Ireland 12-0 Argentina
20:24 , Mike Jones
9 mins: Ireland have taken a fine lead early on in this match and they’ve got a player advantage at present. Argentina have won themselves a scrum inside the Irish half though and look hungry to get on the attack.
It’s fed in before Joaquin Oviedo recovers the ball. The Pumas look for a gap in the line but are bullied backwards by a strong defence from the Irish.
TRY! Ireland 12-0 Argentina (Mack hansen, 6 mins)
20:21 , Mike Jones
Garry Ringrose scoops up a loose ball then breaks through the Argentina line. He flies up the pitch but doesn’t have the legs to get over the line.
Ireland launch the ball over to the left wing where it’s offloaded to Mack Hansen who dives over the line.
TRY! Ireland 7-0 Argentina (Jack Crowley, 4 mins)
20:18 , Mike Jones
Ireland kick for touch and fling the lineout into play. Quick passing sends the ball out to Ronan Kelleher who sprints for the line but gets held up.
Ireland aren’t giving it up. From the ruck the ball is passed over to Crowley who dances inside of an attempted tackle and jumps for the line!
He converts as well.
Ireland 0-0 Argentina
20:16 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Ireland look to sneak over the line from the left wing but Crowley goes down and the ball comes loose. Rodrigo Isgro snatches it up and Argentina sweep quickly up the pitch.
The Pumas get over the ball over the line for the first try of the match but the referee has asked to get the TMO involved.
They’re looking at the tackle from Matias Moroni on Crowley, the try is going to get ruled out and Ireland will win a penalty for a foul.
Moroni is also sent to the sin bin.
Kick off! Ireland 0-0 Argentina
20:12 , Mike Jones
Jack Crowley kicks off the match and Ireland drive up the pitch with intense pressure. They charge down an initial kick and turn over the ball deep inside Argentina’s half.
What a start.
Ireland v Argentina
20:04 , Mike Jones
Here come the players.
There’s a nervous tension around the stadium after Ireland were beaten by New Zealand last time out. It was a poor performance from Andy Farrell’s side but they’ve never been beaten in Dublin by Argentina and will feel confident about rediscovering their form.
Prendergast ‘ready’ says Farrell
20:00 , Mike Jones
The uncapped Sam Prendergast looks set to make his debut for Ireland tonight having replaced Ciaran Frawley on the bench.
“He’s ready,” Andy Farrell said of 21-year-old.
“For a young fella who has not had much game time provincially, he’s obviously had more of late, but in an ironic way he’s been patient enough because in his own mind he’s thought he’s been ready for quite some time. He’s that type of kid, he’s confident.
“The experience he’s had around the squad, he’s a lot more comfortable in his own skin. The reason for taking him on the Emerging [Ireland] tour was to make sure he understood what it was to grab hold of his team and show that he’s in charge and he showed that in abundance.
“We’ve seen the knock-on effect of that in the squad the past couple of weeks.”
Ireland vs Argentina match officials
19:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant Referee 1: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant Referee 2: Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
FPRO: Andrew Jackson (England)
(Getty Images)
The remarkable rise of Argentina, rugby’s great outlier
19:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Can Argentina produce another landmark moment after a 2024 of real progress? During the Rugby Championship, The Independent took a look at why rugby’s great outlier stand on the brink of history:
The remarkable story of Argentina, rugby’s great outlier
Felipe Contepomi insists Argentina only have ‘slim’ chance
19:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Head coach Felipe Contepomi says Argentina have only a “slim” chance of toppling Ireland as he bids to mastermind another impressive scalp on his return to Dublin.
Former Leinster fly-half Contepomi has guided Los Pumas to a series of statement results in 2024, winning away to New Zealand, in addition to beating France, Australia and world champions South Africa.
Andy Farrell’s hosts go into their second autumn fixture on the back of a deflating 23-13 defeat to the All Blacks.
Yet Contepomi, who guided his side to a record 50-18 win away to Italy last weekend, insists producing an upset at the Aviva Stadium will be a tall order.
Asked if he sensed an opportunity based on Ireland’s previous outing, the 47-year-old said: “No, no, not at all.
“We know it’s a slim opportunity but it’s there. Every game starts from zero.
“What happened in the last game is nothing to do with what’s going to happen on Friday.”
Caelan Doris urges Ireland to relish ‘pressure’ against Argentina
19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Captain Caelan Doris wants Ireland to bring an extra edge against Argentina following the frustration of their disheartening defeat to New Zealand.
The number eight admits Andy Farrell’s starting XV have “pressure to perform” after 14 of the players who began the 23-13 loss to the All Blacks were retained.
Caelan Doris urges Ireland to relish ‘pressure’ against Argentina
Argentina team news
19:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Felipe Contepomi makes three changes to the Argentina side that beat Italy, with vice captain Pablo Matera recalled on the flank after serving a suspension and a returning Guido Petti also adding back five ballast in the pack. Matias Moroni takes the place of Matias Orlando at inside centre, while the versatile Santiago Carreras has recovered sufficiently from a calf issue to offer fly half and full-back cover on a bench that also includes uncapped centre Justo Piccardo.
Argentina XV: 1 Thomas Gallo, 2 Julian Montoya (captain), 3 Joel Sclavi; 4 Guido Petti, 5 Pedro Rubiolo; 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Joaquin Oviedo; 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 10 Tomas Albornoz; 11 Bautista Delguy, 12 Matias Moroni, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Rodrigo Isgro; 15 Juan Cruz Mallia.
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Ignacio Calles, 18 Francisco Gomez Kodela, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Santiago Grondona; 21 Gonzalo Garcia, 22 Santiago Carreras, 23 Justo Piccardo.
Ireland team news
19:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There is just a single change to the Ireland starting team despite defeat to New Zealand as Robbie Henshaw steps in for Bundee Aki at inside centre. Of greater intrigue is a bench reshuffle that sees a promising Leinster pair in prop Thomas Clarkson and fly half Sam Prendergast primed for debuts; at the other end of the experience spectrum, club colleague Cian Healy will match the record cap tally of Brian O’Driscoll if he makes his 133rd appearance for Ireland.
Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (captain); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Peter O’Mahony; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Jamie Osborne.
Team news…
19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, with kick off in Dublin rapidly approaching, let’s take a closer look at those two line-ups…
Ireland vs Argentina talking points: Pumas ready to pounce?
18:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina have never beaten Ireland in Dublin but are well capable of snapping that statistic. Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi has extensive inside knowledge of the hosts having spent a decade with Leinster as a player and a coach. The 47-year-old, who succeeded Michael Cheika following last year’s fourth-placed finish at the World Cup, has also masterminded some impressive results. Argentina, who sit fifth in the Test rankings – above Scotland, England and Wales, have already beaten France, New Zealand and world champions South Africa in 2024.
Could Felipe Contepomi oversee a famous win? (AFP via Getty Images)
Ireland vs Argentina talking points: History awaits Cian Healy
18:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A sizeable chunk of Ireland’s autumn squad were still at primary school when Cian Healy made his Test debut against Australia in 2009. Fifteen years on, the veteran prop is poised to make history by moving alongside former team-mate Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s most-capped player. Having largely provided back-up for first-choice loosehead Andrew Porter during the Farrell era, the 37-year-old will win the 133rd cap of his career, if he is brought on from the bench. “He’s been a legend of our squad for all these years and he continues to be so,” said Farrell.
(PA Archive)
Ireland vs Argentina talking points: Can hosts bounce back?
18:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The All Blacks defeat was a sour start to the autumn for Ireland. Following a big billing and plenty of expectation, a capacity Aviva Stadium crowd was largely subdued as the below-par hosts slipped to a first home loss in more than three years. Ireland are determined to bounce back – and have a track record of doing so. Only once during the reign of head coach Farrell, which spans 51 games, have they been beaten twice in a row: defeats to Wales and France at the start of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will be hoping for a response from his side following their defeat to New Zealand (PA Wire)
Top rugby stars ‘sign up for IPL and Formula 1 inspired breakaway competition’
18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
News broke yesterday of a potential breakaway rugby competition that could revolutionise the sport. The Independent understands that while discussions have taken place, they are at a “very, very early” stage.
Here’s the full story:
Top rugby stars ‘sign up for IPL and Formula 1 inspired breakaway competition’
Ireland ready for Argentina after All Blacks loss let people down – Andy Farrell
17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Andy Farrell believes taking on Argentina will be the “perfect” test of Ireland’s character after they “let a few people down” during a deflating defeat to the All Blacks.
The Six Nations champions were dealt a reality check at the start of their autumn campaign when New Zealand capitalised on a raft of errors to become the first visiting team to triumph in Dublin in more than three years.
Head coach Farrell has kept faith with 14 of the 15 players who started the underwhelming 23-13 loss as his side prepare to host a dangerous Pumas side at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland ready for Argentina after All Blacks loss let people down – Andy Farrell
Argentina recall Pablo Matera
17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina have recalled flanker Pablo Matera as part of three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s Autumn Nations Series match against Ireland in Dublin.
Vice-captain Matera, who was suspended for last week’s 50-18 win over Italy, and lock Guido Petti replace Santiago Grondona and Franco Molina in the Pumas’ forward pack.
Matias Moroni comes in at inside centre for Matias Orlando in the other alteration, while there is no place in the match-day squad for Connacht back Santiago Cordero.
Cordero came off the bench to score the fifth of Argentina’s seven tries during their record win over the Azzurri in Udine.
Pablo Matera is back in the Argentina side (AP)
Cian Healy set to equal Ireland cap record as Robbie Henshaw recalled to take on Argentina
17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cian Healy is set to move alongside Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s most-capped international after being named among the replacements for the clash with Argentina.
Leinster prop Healy, who made his debut against Australia in November 2009, will win his 133rd Test cap, if he comes off the bench at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Centre Robbie Henshaw has been selected ahead of Bundee Aki in the only change to Andy Farrell’s starting XV following last week’s 23-13 loss to New Zealand.
Cian Healy set to equal Ireland cap record as Robbie Henshaw recalled for Argentina
Ireland vs Argentina LIVE
11:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A very good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of the opening match of another blockbuster weekend of Autumn Nations Series rugby action.
Ireland return to the Aviva Stadium a week on from a first defeat at the venue for three and a half years hoping to correct the errors made against New Zealand. But watch out for a visiting Argentina side who continued their impressive year so far with a 50-18 drubbing of Italy in Udine in their November opener.
Kick off is at 8.10pm GMT.
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