Well that was a lot closer than it should have been. Ireland came out on top against a spirited Argentina side at the Aviva this evening, winning on a 28-17 scoreline. There are definitely some questions to answer after the mixed performance, and one in particular has already dominated the narrative.
Jordan Larmour had a shaky performance at fullback, and now many are doubting his ability to play the position ahead of the massive game against the All Blacks next weekend.
With Rob Kearney ruled out through injury, Joe Schmidt turned to Larmour to provide a spark from the '15' position. He put in an incredible performance against Italy last weekend, registering three tries from the wing in Ireland's convincing victory.
He looked a shell of that player tonight however. Larmour was consistently found wanting under high balls, both in attack and defence. A misjudgement almost allowed the ball to fall to the Argentinians in the first half, and the uncertainty around his fielding continued all night.
Not sure Ireland need to change much for next week, lots of lifting practice aside. Leavy will come in and assume a change at 13. Don't know what happens at 15 but Larmour looked vulnerable
— Roarz (@Roarzz) November 10, 2018
Ireland only got into the game in last 30 mins. Sexton’s place & on field kicking poor enough. Larmour dodgy under the high ball & our lineout has been way off. To beat NZ we’ll need Kearney back, Toner or Beirne 2nd Row & we’ve no hope w/out Murray. L McGrath on bench #IREvARG
— Dr Nicola Ní Mhistéil (@serentrippety) November 10, 2018
For the love of God Joe, please give Larmour the hook. #IREvARG
— Patrick (@palumbex) November 10, 2018
Apart from his inconsistencies under the high ball, he was certainly not the consistent attacking threat that he was last week. A lot of that probably had to do with the quality of the opposition, but Larmour certainly seems far more comfortable on the wing.
The Argentinians defended excellently throughout the majority of the game, and Larmour had very little joy. He was often a non-factor during Ireland long spells in possession, at a time when you would hope he could pop up with that bit of magic that would make the difference.
With the exception of a well-executed grubber kick during the second half, he did not make the offensive contribution that his form suggested he would.
I've said before that I'm not convinced Larmour's best position is 15 and he is clearly a talented player, but consistency is an issue for him at moment. He is oscillating from sublime to poor at moment.
— Colin McBride (@colin_a_mcbride) November 10, 2018
After 60 mins, few things obvious from this #IreVsArg game. Larmour not a 15, Leavy needs to start, we have serious depth and Luke McGrath>Marmion. #ireland #rugby #IREvARG
— Aaron (@aaronmacn) November 10, 2018
Tonight’s performance shows what I was talking to @ShaunOfTheFuzz about this week. Larmour is exceptional but not the finished article especially at FB! Pumas preying on this! RM
— MaulOver Rugby Pod (@mauloverpodcast) November 10, 2018
None of this is to knock the young Leinster player. He is an exceptional talent, one who was played out of position against opposition of a high level this evening.
In many ways, this game would have been a feeling out process for Joe Schmidt. While the game against Italy last week allowed him to look at some of the fringe members of the squad, this match allowed him to gauge the form of what he would consider to be his first choice players.
Larmour is someone who is on the bubble of the starting XV, and with Rob Kearney absent, there was little option but to risk him at fullback. Steve Hansen and New Zealand will certainly review the footage from this game and see the fullback position as a potential area of vulnerability in the Irish side, something that Schmidt will be all too aware of.
If Kearney is unable to return in time for next week's titanic clash, something is going to have to change about the '15' position. Whether that is a change comes in the form of personnel remains to be seen. One thing that is certain is that Ireland will need to move up a gear if they are to come away with their second ever victory over the All Blacks.
