Ireland hold off Argentina fightback in narrow victory

Ireland survived a major scare as they kickstarted their autumn campaign by holding off a spirited Argentina side to return to winning ways with an unconvincing 22-19 victory in Dublin.

- ED ELLIOT

Andy Farrell’s men were seeking a response to being knocked off the top of the world rankings following last week’s deflating defeat to New Zealand.

Fly-half Jack Crowley claimed the opening try at the Aviva Stadium and also kicked seven points, including a superb drop goal, to supplement first-half scores from Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy.

However, Felipe Contepomi’s impressive Pumas refused to roll over and were within touching distance until the final whistle thanks to 14 points from Tomas Albornoz and Juan Cruz Mallia’s eye-catching solo effort.

But, on an evening when Cian Healy moved alongside Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s joint most-capped player, the Six Nations champions hung on, despite a scoreless second half from the hosts.

Head coach Farrell made just one change to his starting XV following the 23-13 loss to the All Blacks, replacing Bundee Aki with Robbie Henshaw at inside centre.

Ireland appeared to have made a nightmare start when a poor pass from Henshaw’s midfield partner Garry Ringrose gifted Matias Moroni a third-minute try.