Hugo Keenan delivered a masterclass in the full-back position, scoring a hat-trick to lead Ireland to a commanding 42-12 victory over Argentina in the Nations Championship. The performance solidified Ireland’s perfect home record against the Pumas, who had previously lost all 11 meetings in Dublin despite a recent upset of Andy Farrell’s Lions squad. Keenan’s explosive runs and precise finishing were the defining features of the match, as he crossed three times to dismantle Argentina’s defense and maintain the hosts’ dominance throughout the contest.
Full-back’s hat-trick and Sam Prendergast’s debut try secure bonus-point win in Dublin.
The momentum shifted decisively in Ireland’s favor after Mateo Carreras gave Argentina an early lead. However, captain Dan Sheehan’s score and Keenan’s first two tries quickly erased the deficit, allowing Ireland to enter the break with a commanding 21-5 advantage. The second half saw further consolidation of the lead, with Sam Prendergast registering his maiden international try to add to his five successful conversions. Ronan Kelleher’s powerful finish later in the game sealed the bonus-point victory, highlighting the depth and physicality of Ireland’s forward pack.
This emphatic win serves as a crucial confidence booster for Andy Farrell’s side as they continue their campaign in the Nations Championship. The 30-point margin underscores Ireland’s tactical superiority and ability to control the game’s tempo at the Aviva Stadium. With Keenan’s treble and Prendergast’s breakthrough performance, Ireland has sent a clear message to their upcoming opponents, demonstrating both offensive flair and defensive resilience in a high-stakes international fixture.
Source: The Independent Sport
