DUBLIN - Hugo Keenan scored three tries as Ireland began their Nations Championship home campaign with a resounding 36-12 bonus-point win over Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night. The full-back's hat-trick, along with tries from captain Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast, and Ronan Kelleher, helped Ireland to a six-try triumph that moves them top of the northern hemisphere table.
Early Setback and Swift Response
Argentina, seeking their first-ever away win over Ireland in 12 attempts, stunned the home crowd with a beautifully crafted try in the opening minutes. Out-half Tomas Albornoz kicked to the corner, where wing Mateo Carreras outjumped the smaller Craig Casey to touch down. However, Ireland responded with composure. Casey, one of the surprise selections ahead of Jamison Gibson-Park, made amends by winning a turnover penalty that sparked Ireland's comeback. From the resulting line-out, Rob Baloucoune broke through midfield and fed Mack Hansen, who sent Keenan over for his first try.
Discipline Issues Cost Argentina
The Pumas' indiscipline proved costly as they conceded a series of penalties and lost two players to the sin-bin. Justo Piccardo was yellow-carded in the first half, and Ephraim Elias followed him in the second for a high tackle on Keenan. Argentina also lost captain Julian Montoya to a failed head injury assessment before half-time, forcing loose-head prop Boris Wenger to fill in at hooker. Ireland capitalized on the disarray, with Nick Timoney impressing at openside flanker. Timoney turned over Albornoz and then appeared in a line-out move that sent Sheehan over for Ireland's second try. Ryan Baird, returning to the side, stole a line-out that led to Keenan's second try, giving Ireland a 21-5 half-time lead.
Bonus Point Secured Early
Two minutes into the second half, Prendergast, who had shaken off a wrist injury to start, ghosted through a gap to score his first international try and secure the bonus point. Carreras grabbed his second try for Argentina, but Keenan completed his hat-trick after a clever offload from Baird. Kelleher then touched down from a maul as Argentina's resistance faded. A late yellow card for Ireland replacement Sam Illo for an early drive at a maul did little to dampen the mood.
Looking Ahead
Ireland's coach Andy Farrell will be pleased with the attacking flair but may want to iron out some careless moments. The win provides a solid platform as Ireland prepare to host Fiji next week before a highly anticipated clash with world champions South Africa on 21 November. For Argentina, the defeat highlights their struggles on the road, but they will look to regroup for their upcoming fixtures.
