Eire scored 3 times to beat Argentina 22-19 in Dublin however Andy Farrell’s facet have been held scoreless within the second half; Juan Cruz Mallia scored for The Cougars scored a stunning objective that almost erased a 22-9 first-half benefit
Michael Cantillon
Final up to date: 16/11/24 12:15pm
Eire continued their successful streak at house to Argentina after final week’s loss to New Zealand however failed to attain some extent within the second half, one thing that can go away head coach Andy Farrell pissed off.
First-half tries from Jack Crawley, winger Mark Hansen and lock Joe McCarthy gave Eire a 22-9 half-time lead, however a poor second-half efficiency left the Cougars with defender Juan Cruzmaria after a objective Comeback.
Pumas No. 10 Tomas Albornoz added 4 penalties and a discipline objective to assist Argentina cut back the deficit to a few factors, however they have been unable to attain once more.
It was the pair’s first assembly since November 2021 and the end result noticed Argentina winless in Dublin’s historical past, the one first-tier nation the Cougars haven’t crushed away from house for the reason that pair formally met in 1990 Group.
Argentina went into this match having crushed New Zealand, South Africa and Australia for the primary time within the Rugby Championship, however when middle Matias Moroni was dismissed for a excessive sort out on Crowley After the penalty, Argentina instantly discovered themselves in hassle.
Crawley gifted Eire an ideal likelihood with a nook kick, then confirmed crafty and energy within the subsequent attacking sequence, chopping inside and past.
The Eire playmaker made it 7-0 for the house facet within the sixth minute after a vital break from middle Garry Ringrose and a selfless cross again inside from wing Tadhg Beirne. The sport ended with Hansen’s second strive.
Crawley’s conversion was off beam and a poor error from lock James Ryan gave away possession inside his personal 22 seconds to provide Argentina a transparent likelihood to counterattack. When Robbie Henshaw was offside, Albonos fired in from shut vary to make it 12-3.
Within the sixteenth minute, Beni simply crossed the strive line by left-wing contact, however a TMO evaluation proved that he misplaced management when touchdown and the try was cancelled.
Billam will get yellow card for crocodile roll
On the different finish, Eire’s Finlay Bealham was shortly booked for a crocodile roll on opponent Joel Sclavi, permitting Albornoz to The rating expanded to 12-6.
The Irish 14 resumed their assault within the Pumas 22 shortly after, with Guido Petty penalized for a harmful sort out and the house facet denying themselves a scoring shot. A scrambled lineout compelled Eire to counterattack, however Crawley then executed a gorgeous lob to increase the lead past the scoreline once more.
Within the twenty sixth minute, Ronan Kelleher’s pointless block allowed the Argentina group to get one other penalty kick. Albornoz scored one other stunning objective, 15- 9.
Hugo Keenan’s majestic lob bought Eire again close to the strive line from the restart, earlier than James Lowe compelled down Henshaw’s fantastic in-pass on the flank Relentless strain ultimately gave strategy to McCarthy’s third strive.
Crawley held a wholesome 22-9 benefit, however No. 22 nook half Jamison Gibson-Park was tipped over on his personal play, giving the guests area to assault. Eire held on below intense strain and didn’t concede at half-time.
Argentina began the second quarter with a confidence-boosting possession and had their first strive inside 5 minutes by a fantastic run and end from Cruz María.
Albonos lower Eire’s result in six factors earlier than McCarthy was despatched off for a number of fouls – Albonos kicked a easy kick to make it 22-19.
Eire’s slumber continued within the second half when Hansen despatched a direct cross close to midfield, however Argentina’s subsequent assault fell by when Albonos missed a shot.
McCarthy returned with out conceding one other level, however Eire’s suffocating assault in Argentina’s final 22 evaporated with 10 minutes remaining when the Cougars fought again to pressure a significant turnover.
The sport saved Argentina within the sport, as did Santiago Carreras’ penalty after Jamie Osborne’s breakaway, however Francisco Gomez Codera added a penalty with time remaining A unnecessary clearance on the pinnacle of Eire captain Keiran Dorries on 5 minutes – for which he was responsible – was thrown into the bin – killing any actual likelihood of the Cougars turning issues round as soon as and for all.
Regardless, Argentina did mount a late assault as Eire surrendered possession with little time remaining, however the house group and supporters have been capable of rejoice victory after the ultimate collision.
Eire win ‘ugly’ after ‘four-on-one’
Eire head coach Andy Farrell: “It is a three or 4 sport, is not it? Clearly an important feeling is that we’re comfortable to have gained.
“We had some issues to be taught final week and a few issues we did not tackle on the sphere. However we mentioned final week we had an opportunity to win ugly video games. We did that this week, in order that’s a bonus.
“We have to be somewhat extra affected person with people at occasions and belief our group. Hopefully we will get by this month and see our greatest efficiency within the subsequent few video games.”
‘Argentina checks our resilience’
Eire captain Kellan Dorris mentioned in a pitchside interview: “Based mostly on how we performed final week, I feel there’s somewhat bit of additional strain on a few of us.
“We felt like we bought off to an excellent begin, however their high quality confirmed within the second half. It actually examined our resilience and examined our bodily and psychological fortitude.”