Huge excitement filled the stadium, pubs and homes as Ireland faced Argentina. Los pumas were fresh from a win whereas Ireland had just lost at Home to New Zealand the week prior. The game would decide the footing of Ireland securing 22-19.
Following a quick start, a block down by Ireland saw the Irish on the attack in the Argentinian 22. After a swift change of possession, Argentina made a break down to the Irish try line and touched the ball down. Disallowed by the TMO and a yellow card for a high tackle, Jack Crowley was then up for review.
The first half brought end to end action as Ireland ran the ball down the pitch. Barrelling through the Argentinian defence. Jack Crowley touched the ball down for the opening score of the night. Crowley slotted the ball over the sticks making it 7-0 only 3 minutes in.
From the restart, Ireland quickly gained possession. Garry Ringrose made a phenomenal line break for Mack Hansen to get the second try of the night. A break in Ireland’s discipline saw Argentina put away an easy penalty straight through the sticks.
After a well worked Irish set play, they ran the ball down the wing. Henshaw passed the ball to Tadgh Beirne and the play came to an end as the TMO reviewed the grounding. A blatant drop ball.
Before the quarter mark, Finley Bealham was sent into the bin for a croc roll. Part of a trial of new World Rugby Rules.
Regardless of being a Forward Down, Ireland had a penalty and decided to go to the corner. The maul didn’t go to plan after the play was spread out wide. The attack petered out. Lack of discipline was clearly a downfall as Argentina was awarded yet another penalty, further closing the gap in the first half.
Argentina did a great job on the defence as Ireland hammered on. As Argentina turned the possession and got the clearance kick away James Lowe ran the ball back into the danger zone, popping the ball to Joe McCarthy for a try. A22-9 lead going into the break.
The second half marked a quick start for Los Pumas. Breaking down Irish defence and putting 7 points on the board. A penalty kick following that to cut the Irish lead down to just 3.
Debutants Sam Prendergast and Tom Clarkson were given warm welcomes on arrival off the bench in Lansdowne Road. A landmark in both of their bright careers. The rest of the second half left everyone on the edge with Ireland not finishing off their opportunities to attack.
In the dying embers of the game with a last-minute effort, Argentina ran at the Irish defence. Keeping their foot on the throat, building phases. The Irish defence persevered and won a penalty to see the game out. With Ireland securing the win, recovering from their loss to the All Blacks.
The post-match interview with Sam Prendergast summed the game up perfectly “sometimes you just got to win ugly.”