Ireland bounced back, albeit softly, from their loss to New Zealand last week in what proved a tough test against a dogged Argentina side, in the Autumn Nations Series. Ireland clinched a 22-19 win to snatch victory for Andy Farrell’s side in what he labelled a match with “three or four games in one”.
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The game fluctuated with Ireland opening brilliantly with a strong, determined first half hour seeing them cross for three tries. Emotions were clearly running high, seeking to respond with a win, yet Argentina proved a strong opponent managing to stay in touch throughout. Overall, the Irish gameplay started to falter as the game went on and Andy Farrell and Caelan Doris summed the performance up honestly after the test. Here are the top five talking points from their immediate reaction.
- “Our discipline at times was desperate” – Farrell admits the Irish penalty count was extortionate.
Although Ireland eventually got over the line in a close battle, the team has much to work on after matching their previous week’s penalty count of 13. Farrell honestly assessed this, conceding that early Irish dominance was hindered by ill-discipline and over eagerness.
ANDY FARRELL: “I think everyone knows the story of the game, lack of discipline at crucial times, it was a little bit individual. It’s something that we need to keep addressing.
It’s a mixture of things, it’s not done out of people being desperate, they’re trying to do the right thing for the team. They’re trying to make a difference, and sometimes that spills over the edge. We just need to be a little bit more patient and trust what’s going on.”
CAELAN DORIS: “Our discipline was probably a factor again like last week, but we got the result which is the most pleasing thing.
I was guilty of a few offsides, I think when you’re under pressure against quality teams you’re bound to make a couple of errors. There’s definitely some avoidable errors in there. So they’re the ones we need to look at.”
2. Irish pack falters – Ireland lacked a cutting edge with no decisive ball carrying to allow the attack shine.
For the second week in a row, Ireland’s attack struggled to flourish. The first half hour saw Ireland storm out of the blocks. As the game wore on Argentina showed their brutal, dogged side and the Irish were met with a dominant defence. Argentina had 26 dominant tackles to Ireland’s 17.
In a system which thrives off mobile, powerful attackers Ireland lacked a real imposing ball carrier to soften the Argentinian defence. Ireland’s ill-discipline highlighted this, as their penalty count rose and Argentina won the physical battle. Andy Farrell will surely be looking to breed an imposing force amongst his agile pack of ball players.
3. Youngsters show talent – Jamie Osborne cameo hailed by Farrell: “I thought he was immense. he has really stepped up”.
Jamie Osborne has been used by Ireland in the 23 shirt a lot due to his ability to cover almost all backline positions. Today saw him have a 20 minute cameo in which he brought a real intent to a struggling Irish attack. Alongside debutant Sam Prendergast, the two Leinster men came on adding a fluidity and spark to the Irish performance. Osborne gave Ireland line breaks with some ferocious carries, while Prendergast offered a threat from 10 taking the ball to the line with authority.
ANDY FARRELL: “I thought Sam was excellent, I thought he was really composed. Playing your first cap in that type of position, in that type of situation. I thought he was really composed, he played at a nice tempo at the line and started to make things happen. That just shows what type of character he’s got.”
4. Who starts at 10? – Crowley and Prendergast both influential, while Frawley watches on.
Jack Crowley was one of Irelands best performers before a second half dip, and Sam Pendergast put his own stamp on proceedings when introduced. Both out halves will be vying for a starting position next week, but the question beckons as to whether Ciarán Frawley deserves to re-enter the fold.
The Leinster man was left out of the squad after a poor showing last week, but with Fiji in store next the decision Farrell has is a tough one. Frawley will still be in contention, showing his talent for both Leinster and Ireland on many occasion. Farrell is left with a headache many coaches would wish to have.
5. Irish line out improving?
The Irish line out has long been a toothache for the team, but will have some hope after today with a couple of Irish tries coming from the set play. Ireland’s line out still faltered but showed more variation choosing to hit both front and back, leaving a more positive impression.
CAELAN DORIS: “The line out leaders do a great job there. Paulie (O’Connell) has them meeting a couple of evenings a week, for an hour plus, and puts a lot of time into it. It comes to fruition the work they do”.
