RUGBY
Unconvincing Ireland need to improve ahead of All-Blacks test
By Daire Walsh
AHEAD of a mouthwatering encounter with world champions New Zealand in the same venue, Ireland recorded a 28-17 victory over Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.
This was the first game of the annual Guinness Series, after Joe Schmidt’s side defeated Italy as part of the Rugby Weekend in Chicago seven days earlier.
Kildare duo Tadhg Beirne (Eadestown) and Joe Schmidt played starring role in that encounter – contributing 10 points apiece in a comfortable 54-7 triumph.
They were always expected to miss out on selection for the expected step-up in quality that Argentina would offer, especially with several front-line operators sitting out on the trip to Soldier’s, Field.
While he may well feature again before the end of this autumn series, Beirne was absent from the squad for their latest test encounter. Carbery made way for the returning Jonathan Sexton at fly-half, but did secure a spot on the bench alongside fellow backs Luke McGrath and Andrew Conway.
Considering how close the All Blacks came to losing out in a Saturday encounter with England at a rain-drenched Twickenham, Ireland couldn’t afford to rest on their laurels. Past heartache against the Pumas – most notably in the 1999, 2007 and 2015 World Cups – helped to eliminate complacency, but the late withdrawal of Robbie Henshaw did alter their plans to a certain extent.
He was replaced in the centre by Ulster’s Will Addison – who wasn’t named as part of Ireland’s 23 for the game.
Kieran Marmion was the latest player entrusted to fill Conor Murray’s shoes at scrum-half, and he responded to Nicolas Sanchez’s penalty with a ninth-minute try.
However, despite being second best in possession for long stretches, Argentina developed an 11-5 cushion through Sanchez (penalty) and Bautista Delguy (try) scores. Bundee Aki’s spectacular converted five-pointer raised the roof off Lansdowne Road, only for Sanchez to move Argentina back into a slender advantage.
Yet, Ireland kept their composure as the interval prevailed. Although the loss of Sean O’Brien to a broken arm was a major set-back. Sexton split the posts off a 39th-minute free to give the hosts a 15-14 buffer at the break.
They were far from home and hosed when the action resumed, though, and Sanchez got Argentina back on track with his fourth place-kick of the contest. This was the cue for Ireland to push into an extra gear – Sexton cancelling out Sanchez’s latest strike with a three-pointer of his own.
It always felt that another try was required if Ireland were to finally kill off the Argentine challenge. This is exactly what they managed – substitute Luke McGrath sniping over for his second touchdown in the space of a week.
Without firing on all cylinders, Ireland were now on course for another November win. After increasing his personal haul to 13 points, Sexton made way for Carbery on 76 minutes.
He will hope to feature against the country of the birth in Ballsbridge this Saturday, which be a major test of Ireland’s credentials as World Cup 2019 moves into view.