Ireland edge out Argentina in thrilling encounter

In a nail-biting rugby match at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on November 15, 2024, Ireland secured a hard-fought 22-19 victory over Argentina.

Ireland wasted no time capitalizing on an early yellow card shown to Argentina's center Matías Moroni for a high tackle on fly-half Jack Crowley. With Argentina momentarily reduced to 14 men, Ireland struck decisively.

Crowley displayed his finesse and agility with a perfectly timed sidestep that sliced through Argentina’s defense, scoring the opening try. Just minutes later, Ireland extended their lead with a try from winger Mack Hansen, who finished off a powerful Garry Ringrose break. These two tries placed Ireland firmly in the driver’s seat within the first seven minutes of the game.

Argentina, however, refused to buckle under early pressure. Fly-half Tomás Albornoz kept his team in contention with pinpoint penalty kicks, narrowing Ireland’s lead.

A third Irish try came through Joe McCarthy after a dominant lineout drive, yet Albornoz’s consistent accuracy ensured Argentina remained within striking distance as the teams headed into halftime.

The second half witnessed Argentina mounting an impressive comeback. Full-back Juan Cruz Mallía delivered a sensational individual effort, cutting through Ireland’s defensive line to score a pivotal try.

Albornoz added further pressure on Ireland with two well-placed penalties, reducing the deficit to a mere three points.

Ireland responded by making critical substitutions to regain control of the game. Among these changes was the introduction of 21-year-old debutant Sam Prendergast, whose calm presence and accurate passing proved vital in calming Irish nerves. Despite relentless pressure from Argentina, Ireland’s defense remained resolute in the dying minutes.

Both teams faced disciplinary challenges that added drama to the contest. Ireland's Finlay Bealham and Joe McCarthy received yellow cards for high tackles, while Argentina’s Francisco Gómez Kodela joined Moroni in the sin bin for infractions.

Ireland's head coach, Andy Farrell, expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s discipline, calling it "desperate." However, their defensive structure held firm in the crucial final phases.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris commended his team’s resilience, emphasizing the mental toughness displayed under immense pressure. Veteran prop Cian Healy also achieved a personal milestone, equaling the Irish caps record with his 133rd appearance.

On the other side, Argentina’s Mallía and Albornoz stood out for their game-changing contributions.

Team line up:

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (captain); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan.

Reserves: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Peter O’Mahony; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Jamie Osborne.

Argentina XV: 1 Thomas Gallo, 2 Julian Montoya (captain), 3 Joel Sclavi; 4 Guido Petti, 5 Pedro Rubiolo; 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Joaquin Oviedo; 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 10 Tomas Albornoz; 11 Bautista Delguy, 12 Matias Moroni, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Rodrigo Isgro; 15 Juan Cruz Mallia.

Reserves: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Ignacio Calles, 18 Francisco Gomez Kodela, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Santiago Grondona; 21 Gonzalo Garcia, 22 Santiago Carreras, 23 Justo Piccardo.