Ireland beat Argentina 42-12, but Farrell says side missed chance to be ruthless

Ireland began their November campaign with a 42-12 win over Argentina in Dublin, scoring six tries — but head coach Andy Farrell said his side missed chances to be more ruthless.

Hugo Keenan scored three tries, with Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast and Ronan Kelleher also crossing. Argentina struck first through Mateo Carreras, but Ireland took control and finished 30 points ahead.

Farrell said Ireland had played well and that few teams do that to Argentina, whom he described as dangerous. But the team did not score after Kelleher’s try from a rolling maul in the 55th minute. Ireland had 59% of the territory and edged possession.

“I think the story of the game is we missed a chance to be ruthless,” Farrell said. Second row Tadhg Beirne also said Ireland had not made enough of their territory and chances late in the match.

Ireland’s win came with injury concerns. Sheehan left in the first half after failing a head injury assessment; Farrell said afterwards that he “seems fine in the dressing room”. Robert Baloucoune went off with a knock, while Beirne said Sean Jansen had taken a bang to his knee. Mack Hansen continued after receiving treatment for an ankle concern, and Josh van der Flier also had an ankle concern.

Farrell praised the back three of Keenan, Baloucoune and Hansen, whose attacking combination helped turn the match. He said the performances had given him selection decisions to consider ahead of Fiji’s visit to Dublin on 14 November. Ireland will then face world champions South Africa during the international window.