• Home
  • /
  • Rugby
  • /
  • The Irish Player Ratings From An Entertaining Win Vs Argentina

The Irish Player Ratings From An Entertaining Win Vs Argentina

The Irish Player Ratings From An Entertaining Win Vs Argentina
James Carroll
By James Carroll
Share this article

Since Argentina humbled Ireland in Cardiff in 2015 in the World Cup both sides have been on somewhat of a different curve.

Until Argentina defeated Italy last week the Pumas were on a run of seven straight losses while Ireland hadn't lost a test since the Six Nations when Wales defeated them in Cardiff.

Ireland looked to play wide as early as possible and it worked as they led 13-0 at halftime thanks to two penalties from Jonny Sexton and a try from Jacob Stockdale.

The game looked to be dead and buried with just two minutes into the second half as Sexton and Stockdale combined beautifully again to score Ireland's second try but credit to Argentina, just when it looked like they were ready to pack their bags and head home, they rolled up their sleeves put in a somewhat positive performance managing to score three tries but ultimately losing 28-19.

Below are the Irish player ratings:

15. Rob Kearney - 8

Nailed on to be starting full back for next year's Six Nation campaign. His running game has seen somewhat of a renaissance during the November series, carrying a total of 86 meters while beating five defenders tonight. A particular highlight was when he picked the ball from the air close to Ireland's try line.

14. Adam Byrne - 6

Superb hit on his opposite number when Argentina finally woke up midway through the first half, but it was a tough day for the debutant since most of Ireland's attacking game was down Stockdale's channel. A solid outing for the Kildare man.

Advertisement

13. Chris Farrell - 8

A great game from the Munster centre, it was his beautiful soft hands and interplay which set Ireland off for their first try. A massive improvement on what was a nervy performance last week against Fiji.

12. Bundee Aki - 7

Showcased all of his ball carrying skills in contact and it was his hard yards that were instrumental in Ireland's opening try when Sexton and Farrell carved open the Argentinean defence. His tackle count was off the charts, difficult to see how Schmidt can replace him for Ringrose.

11. Jacob Stockdale - 9

The 21 year old has been without doubt Ireland's star of the November series, three tries in two games but tonight his kicking out of hand was superb, while making one standout tackle from a kick chase. A superb showing and was awarded man of the match for good measure.

Advertisement

10. Jonny Sexton - 9

Recommended

Ireland's chief operator and playmaker portrayed all of his skills tonight, whether it be throwing magical flat passes or his tackle technique to win the ball in contact, he did it. Ran the show.

9. Conor Murray - 6

Although it was not a poor performance, it was a below par performance from Ireland's scrum half. Unusually his box kicking was less than accurate but 2017 has been a truly memorable year for Murray.

1. Cian Healy - 7

Instrumental in turning over an Argentina scrum on 12 minutes, clearly back to top form and is will give his teammate Jack McGrath a hard push in the front row pecking order going forward, double figures in the tackle count as well.

Advertisement

2. Rory Best - 7

The Irish captain's darts from the line out were exceptional but Best's competitiveness and work rate at the breakdown is always superb. A real captain's performance.

3. Tadhg Furlong - 7

The Wexford man is a human wrecking ball, countless powerful runs into contact put the fear of God into the Argentinian defence, he even managed a couple of offload's as well. Already a fan's favourite but his performance today proves why.

4. James Ryan - 7

Settled the nerves with a perfectly caught line out ball but Ryan already looks like a player who has 30 caps at international level. He did have one blemish when he knocked the ball on from catching the line out. He was substituted early in the second half with what looked like an injury but he should be happy with his performance.

Advertisement

5. Iain Henderson - 6

We all know what Henderson can do in the open field but it was a relatively quiet game for the Ulsterman. He will be there or thereabouts for a place in the 23 for the Six Nations due to being able to play either in the second row or back row.

6. Peter O'Mahony - 7

A quiet game from one of the many talismanic figures in this side, no missed tackles and his work rate was ferocious as ever. One tackle from an Argentine scrum on Ireland's five-metre line was a particular highlight.

7. Sean O'Brien - 6

Gave away Irelands's first penalty and was relatively quiet until he nearly set the game alight when his break and attempted offload carved Argentina open but unfortunately he knocked the ball on. A bit below his usual level tonight.

Advertisement

8. CJ Stander - 6

Typical game from Stander, worked tirelessly around the park with lots of carries that yielded little yards, unusually he missed four tackles but his performance was saved with a try from a well-worked maul by the forwards.

Substitutes - 6

In the previous two games against South Africa and Fiji the substitutes had a real impact on the game but tonight was different. Apart from Devin Toner (maybe), none of the replacements had any sort of impact late on.

SEE ALSO: Watch: Jacob Stockdale Finishes Off Magical 'Training-Pitch' Try Vs Argentina

Join The Monday Club Have a tip or something brilliant you wanted to share on? We're looking for loyal Balls readers free-to-join members club where top tipsters can win prizes and Balls merchandise

Processing your request...

You are now subscribed!

Share this article

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com

Advertisement