Ireland beat Argentina 42-12 as Farrell urges more ruthlessness before World Cup

Hugo Keenan produced a masterclass in finishing, scoring a hat-trick as Ireland dismantled Argentina 42-12 in Dublin. According to the BBC ^[1], the victory was emphatic, yet head coach Andy Farrell insisted his squad failed to be truly ruthless in the final third.

Keenan, returning to the home pitch for the first time since the 2025 Six Nations, was the standout performer. Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast and Ronan Kelleher also crossed the line, completing a six-try haul that left Los Pumas shell-shocked by the 55th minute. However, Farrell was not entirely satisfied, noting that Ireland missed a significant opportunity to close out the game with more ferocity.

"The scoreline is a good one because not many teams do that to Argentina," Farrell said, according to the BBC ^[1]. "But the story of the game is we missed a chance to be ruthless."

Despite dominating territory with 59 percent and controlling possession, Ireland’s scoring stopped cold after Kelleher’s rolling maul try. This lack of final killer instinct contrasts sharply with their current trajectory. Less than a year before the World Cup in Australia, Farrell had previously admitted his team needed improvement to challenge for the title, a far cry from their confident stance four years ago.

The win showcased the potent threat of Ireland’s back three, with Keenan, Mack Hansen and Robert Baloucoune linking brilliantly for several scores. Keenan’s first try came off a flowing move involving Baloucoune and Hansen, highlighting a synergy that has been rare due to injury disruptions. Farrell praised the trio, calling them "immense" and delighted with their pace and threat.

However, the victory came at a cost. The injury list is growing, casting a shadow over the celebration. Captain Dan Sheehan was forced off after failing a head injury assessment, though Farrell said he seemed fine in the dressing room. Wing Robert Baloucoune and Sean Jansen also departed with knocks, while Josh van der Flier and Mack Hansen are being monitored for ankle concerns.

Second-row James Ryan, or rather Beirne, noted that Argentina "came out firing" in their quest for a first away win in Ireland. "We weathered the storm," Beirne said, according to the BBC ^[1]. He echoed Farrell’s sentiment, admitting frustration at not capitalising on late-game chances. "That shows how good a performance it was to come away feeling like that."

With Fiji visiting Dublin next, Farrell faces tough selection decisions. Craig Casey impressed at scrum-half as Jamison Gibson-Park returns to fitness, while Nick Timoney and Sam Prendergast also staked claims. Farrell confirmed these performances give him "food for thought" for the upcoming internationals against Fiji and South Africa, ensuring fierce competition for places remains high.