They then suffered in Act II against the “Pumas” who were often heroic in defense, who did not concede a single point and even almost won with a final offensive after the siren. The summit at the Aviva Stadium did not disappoint, in any case, between the Irish eager to erase the setback against the All Blacks, the first at home since 2021, and the Argentines keen to extend their excellent year 2024.
The visitors crossed the goal line after just two minutes and fifteen seconds, but their try was ruled out for a high tackle by Matias Moroni on Crowley at the start of the action. The Munster No.10 did himself justice by scoring and converting the first try of the match (4th, 7-0) and then distinguished himself with a well-felt drop (21st, 15-6), several penalties and a certain authority in the game.
Ireland at fault
In defense, the Irish knew how to keep their backs in front of their line, especially just before the break where they resisted the opposing waves for two minutes. But they conceded too many penalties and Tomas Albornoz took advantage. Facing the poles, the Argentine opener did not tremble and his success galvanized his troops.
After half-time, the visitors came back with a knife between their teeth and very quickly reduced the gap, with a solo try from fullback Juan Cruz Mallia (45th, 22-16), all in support, speed and thrusts. “Discipline is something that needs to be improved, but we continue to grow as a group. Today we took a step forward from last week, but we feel we still have a lot to do,” conceded Irish captain Caelan Doris on TNT Sports.
Ireland, however, quickly recovered its spirits and put constant pressure on the “Pumas” of coach Felipe Contepomi, former player and then assistant coach of Leinster. His counterpart Andy Farrell has made many changes to inject new blood, with beginners like Sam Prendergast, 21-year-old fly-half, and veterans like prop Cian Healy, who became co-holder of the national record for caps (133), with the retired Brian O'Driscoll.
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