Ireland hold on after second half Argentina fightback

Ireland got back to winning ways after last week's defeat to New Zealand, but Andy Farrell’s side were given an almighty scare by Argentina, who threatened to pull off a first ever victory on Irish soil.

The Six Nations champions were 22-19 winners in a tense and entertaining contest at Aviva Stadium, but questions will have to be asked of their second-half performance, after they were held scoreless for the final 50 minutes.

Tries for Jack Crowley, Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy put the hosts into a commanding position after half an hour, leading 22-9, but as has been the case this year, a lack of discipline in their own half saw them invite Felipe Contepomi’s side back into the game.

Los Pumas only scored one try on the night, Juan Cruz Mallia’s stunning effort early in the second half, but they were able to maintain scoreboard pressure with four Tomas Albornoz penalties.

That level of indiscipline has to be a worry for Farrell. In their last three games Ireland have conceded 66 points, with a staggering 54 of those coming from penalty kicks.

There were positives, obviously, particularly early on. Joe McCarthy had a standout game, even aside from his try, as he consistently brought a physical edge, while the lineout was the platform for two of the three tries, with some creative manipulation of space.

Sam Prendergast and Thomas Clarkson both got early introductions off the bench for their Test debuts, and both looked comfortable on the international stage. At the other end of that spectrum, Cian Healy came in for Porter midway through the second half to win his 133rd cap, matching Brian O’Driscoll’s all-time record.

The opening 10 minutes were non-stop action, and enough to liven up the Friday night crowd.

After Van der Flier