Ireland Clinches Nail-Biting Victory in “Ugly” Win Against Argentina
Andy Farrell’s men scraped through with a nerve-wracking 22-19 win against Los Pumas, showing both brilliance and vulnerability in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats at the Aviva Stadium.
In what Farrell described as “three or four games in one,” Ireland displayed two distinctly different faces. The first half showcased their dominance as they built a commanding 13-point lead, but the second half revealed their struggles against a resurgent Argentine side.
The victory didn’t come without its share of drama. Two yellow cards—handed to Finlay Bealham and Joe McCarthy—put Ireland under significant pressure. The team’s discipline remains a concern, with 13 penalties conceded, mirroring their performance against New Zealand the previous week.
“We won ugly this week, so that’s a plus,” Farrell remarked after the match, his relief evident. The head coach’s candid assessment highlighted both the team’s resilience and their areas for improvement.
Standout Performances
Josh van der Flier delivered an exceptional performance, making an impressive 24 tackles throughout the match. The tireless flanker proved why he’s considered one of the most enduring players in international rugby.
Jamison Gibson-Park orchestrated the attack masterfully from scrum-half, while Garry Ringrose showcased his deceptive pace and strength, beating five defenders and covering 68 meters with the ball in hand—leading the team in both categories.
Mixed Performances in the Pack
The forward pack showed varying levels of effectiveness. Caelan Doris, wearing the captain’s armband, made 18 tackles but hasn’t quite reached his usual dominant form. Joe McCarthy, despite receiving a yellow card, redeemed himself with a try and a physical presence in contact.
Backline Brilliance and Challenges
In the backline, Jack Crowley finally secured his first Test try, contributing 12 points to Ireland’s total. Mack Hansen returned to form with a try of his own, though his defensive lapse during Juan Cruz Mallia’s try will likely feature in post-match reviews.
Looking Ahead
The victory maintains Ireland’s strong home record, but questions remain about their ability to maintain intensity throughout a full 80 minutes. Farrell observed, “It appears that some of our boys are lacking in intensity.” Hopefully, we’re building through this month, and we’ll see the best of us in the next few games.”
This win, while not pretty, demonstrates Ireland’s ability to close out tight games even when not at their best. The team’s ability to withstand Argentina’s second-half surge demonstrates their resilience, a crucial skill for any top-tier international team.
The challenge now lies in addressing the disciplinary issues and finding the consistent intensity level that Farrell seeks. With additional international matches approaching, Ireland must enhance their current performance and refine their strategies.
As the team progresses, they will draw confidence from their ability to secure victory even when they are not at their best, but they will also understand that more complete performances will be required against the world’s top sides.