Hugo Keenan hat-trick leads Ireland to 42-12 win over Argentina
Hugo Keenan scored three tries as Ireland beat Argentina 42-12 in Dublin, leading a six-try performance that exposed gaps in the visitors’ defense.
Hugo Keenan scored three tries as Ireland beat Argentina 42-12 in Dublin, leading a six-try performance that exposed gaps in the visitors’ defense. The bonus-point victory put Andy Farrell’s side atop the Northern Hemisphere standings ahead of other teams’ matches this weekend.
Ireland pull clear after early Argentina try
Argentina struck first when wing Mateo Carreras finished a cross-field kick from Tomas Albornoz. Ireland responded through Keenan and captain Dan Sheehan, with another Keenan try helping the hosts take a 21-5 halftime lead.
Sam Prendergast scored Ireland’s fourth try, then Keenan completed his hat-trick. Ronan Kelleher added the sixth, while Prendergast kicked five conversions and Frawley added another.
Carreras scored again for Argentina, but the visitors could not build a sustained challenge. Their discipline also faltered: Justo Piccardo and Ephraim Elias were sin-binned, and captain Julian Montoya left before halftime after failing a head injury assessment.
Keenan returns with a three-try display
The player of the match made his first home Test appearance in nearly two years after injury. “It's been 21 months since I've been here in green and it's been tough watching on,” Keenan said. “A bit like the rest of the lads, just delighted to be out there.”
He said the tries came at the end of well-worked attacks and pointed to room for improvement despite the margin. “To beat them by 30 points and not play to our full potential is exciting because there is a lot to work on and get better at.”
The result gave Ireland a satisfying response after a 40-21 loss to New Zealand in Auckland to close the summer. Ireland remain unbeaten at home against Argentina, who have yet to win away against them after 12 attempts.
Ireland host Fiji next week before world champions South Africa visit Dublin on November 21. Argentina travel to Italy and France after losing for the third time in four games.
