Hugo Keenan scores a hat-trick as Ireland thrash Argentina

Hugo Keenan scored three tries as Ireland beat Argentina 42-12 in Dublin in the Nations Championship.

Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast and Ronan Kelleher also scored for Ireland. Keenan’s hat-trick was central to the result: he forced his way past several defenders for his second try of the first half, then completed the treble after Beirne won a penalty deep in Argentina territory. Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy and Baird moved the ball on before Keenan finished the move.

Ireland responded quickly after Argentina’s opening try. A counter-ruck led by Casey gained ground, and Robert Baloucoune made a break before Mack Hansen passed inside to Keenan to finish. Later, after Ireland kicked to touch in the 22, Sheehan sent an inside ball to Timoney. Five minutes on, Keenan scored his third try of the first half, at the end of an attack started by Ryan Baird’s lineout steal.

Ireland secured the bonus point less than two minutes into the second half with its fourth try. Prendergast sold a dummy and raced in from deep. Discipline also proved costly for Argentina: Justo Piccardo and replacement Efraín Elias were shown yellow cards. A video review also left the Pumas down to 14 after Elias made a high tackle on Keenan. Ciaran Frawley converted Ireland’s final try to complete the 42-12 scoreline. Head coach Andy Farrell could still rue the points left on the field; Kelleher’s lineout struggles were among the factors that curtailed Ireland’s late scoring chances.

The Ireland scorelines listed alongside the match also include 31-33 on July 4, 20-36 on July 11 and 40-21 against New Zealand on July 18. Ireland are due to face South Africa on Saturday, November 21. Argentina’s next Test is against Italy in Genoa on Saturday, November 14.