Ireland beats Argentina 42-12 but faces injury concerns
Head coach Andy Farrell praised the backline but flagged potential issues for five players after the Aviva Stadium win.
By Stella Brooks ·
Ireland defeated Argentina 42-12 at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, securing a win in the first match of the inaugural Nations Championship. The result marked Ireland’s 12th victory in 12 home meetings against Los Pumas. Despite the comfortable scoreline, head coach Andy Farrell said the performance may have come at a physical cost to his squad.
Farrell identified several players who exited the game with discomfort. Dan Sheehan left before halftime after a head injury assessment and did not return. Sean Jansen was substituted with a knee issue, while Robert Baloucoune limped off. Farrell said medical staff are waiting for confirmation on Baloucoune’s hamstring, given the player’s history with that injury. Josh van der Flier and Mack Hansen both played on with ankle problems.
Tadhg Beirne, who took over the captaincy, also exited the field after five minutes of apparent discomfort. Farrell noted Beirne should have gotten up but did not, though the player is currently fine. Farrell described the day as a good one for a first international hit-out, noting the team fought hard to keep Argentina’s scoring to just 12 points.
The Irish back three provided a cutting edge in the attack. Mack Hansen, in his first Test since last November, Robert Baloucoune, and Hugo Keenan combined for 40 carries and 236 meters. They made nine line breaks and beat 11 defenders. Keenan scored his first Test hat-trick in his first home game since the loss to France in March 2025.
Ryan Baird, also returning from a long layoff, was effective in the set pieces. His aerial athleticism helped Ireland win six of Argentina’s lineout throws. Farrell called the return of these experienced players immense, noting they showed the team what had been missed during their absence.
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi lamented his team’s accumulation of errors. He said Argentina made mistakes when in possession, which gave Ireland the initiative. Contepomi acknowledged Ireland’s intensity and cohesion, stating the Irish side is well-trained and well-coached.
The two teams could meet again in the World Cup quarterfinal in Brisbane on October 31, 2027. Contepomi said he is focusing on the upcoming trip to Italy, where Argentina will face the host nation in Genoa next weekend. Argentina has won three of the four previous World Cup meetings between the sides.
