Ireland got back to winning ways, but only after holding on for a narrow 22-19 victory over Argentina at Aviva Stadium.
Andy Farrell’s side made a positive response to last week’s defeat by New Zealand, with tries from Jack Crowley, Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy putting them 22-9 to the good at half-time.
However, an early second-half try from Juan Cruz Mallia set up a nervy finish for the hosts, who just about held out to scrape over the line.
Ireland survived an early scare with Matias Moroni’s early try ruled out following a TMO (Television Match Official) review, which penalised the centre’s head-on-head challenge on Crowley.
With Moroni sent to the bin, the hosts immediately capitalised with Crowley and Hansen crossing in the space of two minutes.
Although Tomas Albornoz’s left foot reduced Argentina’s deficit to 15-9, McCarthy touched down in the 33rd minute to restore the hosts’ breathing space.
The Pumas appeared rejuvenated after the interval and Mallia’s superb individual try cut the gap to 22-16 and, with McCarthy sin-binned not long afterwards, Albornoz moved the visitors within three points of their opponents.
Argentina carried the greater threat of the two sides in the latter stages, but Ireland did just about enough to keep them at bay.
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