Hugo Keenan hat-trick powers Ireland past Argentina

Ireland 42-12 Argentina, Dublin

Ireland secured a commanding 42–12 victory over Argentina in the Nations Championship at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Friday.

Full-back Hugo Keenan scored his first international hat-trick as Andy Farrell's side maintained their unbeaten home record against the Pumas, claiming a bonus-point victory with six converted tries.

Hugo Keenan Scores Hat-Trick in Ireland Victory

Argentina made a promising start when winger Mateo Carreras collected a cross-field kick from Tomás Albornoz to score the opening try.

Ireland responded through Keenan before captain Dan Sheehan crossed to extend their advantage. Keenan added his second try following a stolen Argentina lineout, giving the hosts a 21–5 lead at halftime.

The Pumas encountered further difficulties when centre Justo Piccardo received a yellow card, while captain Julián Montoya was forced off for a head injury assessment.

Sam Prendergast Helps Ireland Secure Bonus Point

Ireland strengthened their position immediately after the restart when fly-half Sam Prendergast broke through Argentina's defence to score his first international try.

Carreras responded with his second try, but Keenan completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards to make it 35-12.

Replacement hooker Rónan Kelleher added Ireland's sixth try from a driving maul while Argentina lock Efraín Elías was serving a yellow-card suspension.

Prendergast contributed 15 points through his first international try and five successful conversions before being replaced by Ciarán Frawley, who converted Ireland's sixth try.

Ireland Prepare for Fiji and South Africa Tests

Argentina's difficulties at the lineout and two yellow cards disrupted their efforts to contain Ireland, who capitalised on several scoring opportunities.

Ireland will host Fiji on November 14 before facing reigning world champions South Africa on November 21. Argentina travel to Genoa to face Italy on November 14.

Team line up:

Ireland XV: Hugo Keenan; Robert Baloucoune, Rob Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey, Mack Hansen; Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan (capt), Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney, Sean Jansen.

Reserves: Ronan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole, Sam Illo, James Ryan, Josh Van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ciaran Frawley, Jamie Osborne.

Argentina XV: Juan Cruz Mallia; Bautista Delguy, Justo Piccardo, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras; Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Garcia; Boris Wenger, Julian Montoya (capt), Franciso Moreno, Guido Petti, Pedro Rubiolo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera.

Reserves: Leonel Oviedo, Mayco Vivas, Joel Sclavi, Efrain Elias, Juan Martin Seelzo, Simon Belitez Cruz, Geronimo Prisciantelli, Lucio Cinti.