mens
nations-championship
Ireland player ratings: Bitter Test rivals Ireland and Argentina they met again at the Aviva Stadium in the Nations Championship, a match that was typically a needle-y affair for Andy Farrell’s outfit.
Early Cougars try aside, Ireland were mostly comfortable against their bogey team and at times the ball handling was as good as we’ve seen from this team; the men in green proved good value for this 42-12 victory.
15. Hugo Keenan – 9
He was in good early form for Leinster, and he brought that into this competition. He was at the end of a wide Irish attack that finally put the home side on the scoreboard in the 15th minute. He had his second on 29 minutes after a brilliant inside line beat two defenders before wrestling his way to the ground. Completed the hat-trick in the 49th minute.
14. Robert Baloucoune – 7
Strong under the high ball, although found himself out of position defensively during several light blue attacks. Great break on the outside line ahead of Keenan’s try. Once again, he said he broke the right sideline but couldn’t get his hands out of contact to get the pass out.
13. Rob Henshaw – 6
At times, particularly in the first half, Ireland’s midfield partnership was extended but never quite broken. A very typical Henshaw effort: honest as the day goes, but apart from a 62-minute chip and chase, there’s not much to get excited about.
12. Stuart McCloskey – 6.5 As with Henshaw, he didn’t get too many chances to shine in attack as he couldn’t bring any of the no-nonsense the Ulsterman is known for. Generally added value in the few cameos he had on offense.
11. Mack Hansen – 7
Making his first All-Ireland appearance in a year, Hansen was up for it, engaging in running battles with the Argies. Assisted Keenan’s try and did his best to get around the court where he could, one chip and collect in 65 minutes.
10. Sam Prendergast – 8.5
He tested Los Pumas early on with his considerable box of tricks, providing a cultural evening of entertainment with his boot. Barely a minute had passed in the second half when he opened up Argentina’s midfield with a show-and-go, before he had the gas to put it in from 40 meters. A few missed tackles, but not enough to take the shine off a great outing.
9. Craig Casey – 8
An attractive choice with a clear eye for JGP’s succession plan. It’s hard to imagine exactly what he was doing on the wing for Carreras’ attempted shot across the field. He made up for that effort with a superb counter-hand on 13 minutes to regain possession and, with one miss to Mateo Carreras’ side, followed up with perhaps his best performance to date in an Ireland shirt. Sharp service, pace and plenty of elegant decision-making.
1. Andrew Porter – 7.5
A few decent moments in the loose and they actually led Ireland’s tackle count for most of the game. He held his own against all 147kg of Francisco Moreno, who honestly looks like he hasn’t cared for many salads lately.
2. Dan Sheehan – 8.5
He scored Ireland’s second try after starting a move with a sharp line and a deft drop, only to crash after the ball was recycled ten seconds later. He almost had a second but for his leg in touch. He left at 35 minutes for HIA and did not return.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 7
He started strongly against a compact Boris Wenger, the Argentine looking increasingly besieged as the game wore on.
4. Joe McCarthy – 7.5
He came into the game early with a strong carry and proceeded to beat five defenders in the first forty alone. Drained the tank before leaving in 57 minutes.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 6
His first half was on the quiet side, with Markos Kremer stealing him in the pocket on the line as halftime approached. He generally looked out of rhythm at large in an unusually subdued night’s work from the normally excellent Munsterman.
6. Ryan Baird – 7
He missed an attack in the middle of the field, which caused the visitors to break through the right flank from 35 meters. He showed exceptional hands to remove Keenan for his hat-trick and went through a lot of work.
7. Nick Timoney – 8
He scored a big goal on 12 minutes that put him in the game and went on to repeat the trick a few more times. Won a penalty for a 23rd-minute foul that gave Ireland rare territory and almost got over the line a minute later but for Argentina’s last tackle. A real physical threat.
8. Sean Jansen – 6.5
With Caelan Doris and Jack Conan out of contention, this was Jansen’s showcase moment. Great steal on 20 minutes, but overall Los Pumas got little turnover in the contact area and looked a little worse for wear after Pedro Rubiolo’s offside shot. Maybe not quite the audition he was looking for, but far from bad.
Substitutions – 6
Ronan Kelleher dropped his first throw in the lineout after coming on as HIA cover for Sheehan, but he scored so well and really ended the contest. Ciaran Frawley was given a 20-minute window to show what he can do in ten. Rookie prop Sam Illo also had a strong showing. Josh van der Flier appeared to pick up an injury late in the game.