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Ireland player ratings: Back three shine in Pumas rout

Nov. 6, 2026
Ireland player ratings: Back three shine in Pumas rout

Ireland cruised to a landslide 42-12 win over Argentina in Dublin, in an impressive display of attacking rugby from Andy Farrell's men.

There were marquee performances across the board, with Hugo Keenan bagging a hat-trick in his first home game in 21 months.

Here's how we rated them after a routine win over a potential World Cup opponent next year.

15. Hugo Keenan - 9

The man of the hour in Dublin, Hugo Keenan's return to a green shirt was a near perfect one. By his own admission, the Leinster star was in the right place at the right time for at least two of his tries, but his second of the night epitomised an outing of sharp attacking rugby from the 2025 test Lion.

14. Rob Baloucoune - 8.5

If not for his full-back's heroics, Ulster's Robert Baloucoune could well have been the main attraction at Lansdowne Road. His work in the build-up to each of Ireland’s first-half tries, including a searing break before Keenan’s opener, showed that the Six Nations 'Rising Star’ from the spring is picking up where he left off.

13. Robbie Henshaw - 7.5

Arguably a quieter night than all other backline options, Robbie Henshaw looked comfortable in deputising for Garry Ringrose in the 13 jersey. The experienced centre defended a threatening Argentinian backline shrewdly, making nine tackles.

12. Stuart McCloskey - 7.5

Maybe not his brilliant best, but this game was a quietly effective outing for the robust Ulster cetre. Taking on a fellow world class midfielder in Santiago Chocobares, the Ulster man made eight carries for 29 metres, which allowed the space for his fellow backs to roam free.

11. Mack Hansen - 9

Second to Keenan only due to the try scoring charts, Mack Hansen re-announced himself onto the test level in scintillating fashion. The Connacht man was heavily involved in two of Ireland's tries, and popped up with four line breaks and five defenders beaten in a stellar outing.

10. Sam Prendergast - 8.5

The conductor of the orchestra in the heart of midfield, the Leinster out-half bounced back from his Six Nations dip to produce an excellent performance. The 23-year-old scored a brilliant solo try and kicked all six conversions in a confident outing.

9. Craig Casey - 8.5

Handed the reins in midweek over Jamison Gibson-Park, and the Limerick man delivered. Casey mixed his usually proficient passing game with a precise game with the left boot, highlighted with a slick outside-of-the-boot chip kick in arguably his best performance in a green shirt to date.

1. Andrew Porter - 8

Winning his first Ireland cap of the year, the prop bounced right back with a powerful display. The loosehead brought his trademark tenacity going forward in his 56-minute outing.

2. Dan Sheehan - 8

Marked down only because of his early withdrawal due to a HIA, Ireland's captain was close to his best on Friday night. The hooker powered over for a first half try and could have had another if not for an illegal tackle from Leonel Oviedo, an incident that proved to be Sheehan's last action of the night.

3. Tadhg Furlong - 7

Maybe not his brilliant best, but Furlong had a solid outing. The experienced tighthead got the shove on and scrum time and had a number of impressive carries before making way for Sam Illo.

4. Joe McCarthy - 8

Another player who took their fine provincial form into the test arena, Joe McCarthy was a physical menace across his 56 minutes of action. A lineout steal and a maul turnover was the pick of the moments from him.

5. Tadhg Beirne - 8

The Munster captain was handed the captaincy duty slightly earlier than anticipated when Dan Sheehan made way. Beirne's lineout steal in the 23rd minute was both in the moment, and in hindsight, a turning point; stifling Los Puma's last real shot before the game flowed away from them.

6. Ryan Baird - 8

Another player backed to perform in a big start, the verstaile forward returned with a bang. Baird stole an Argentina lineout on the opposing five metre line before showing a delicate pair of hands to release Keenan for his third try.

7. Nick Timoney - 7.5

Perhaps not the Ulster man's best outing, but like the rest, he had his moments. A super double effort of tackle and jackal in the first half the big highlight from him.

8. Sean Jansen - 7

Making his home debut in green, it was a game that arguably passed by the Connacht basher by his own lofty standards. He did pop up with eight carries despite nursing a knock according to his head coach.

Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher - 8

A lengthy run out for the Leinster and Lions hooker, Kelleher made an impact off the bench. His throws were prodominently impressive and he had a try of his own from the back of a maul.

17. Tom O'Toole - 7.5

Being handed a 24 minute run-out is a great sign for the Ulster prop, who duly put himself about.

18. Sam Illo - 7.5

The Connacht star was handed an early yellow card shortly after coming on but celebrated his home debut with a teriffic scrum penalty win.

19. James Ryan - 7

A needless penalty concession was only major moment from Ryan as the game petered out near the end.

20. Josh van der Flier - 8

The former World Player of the Year won a great turnover but also had an untimely knockon in his cameo.

21. Jamison Gibson-Park - 7.5

Added a spark from the bench, the experienced number nine also put Mack Hansen away for a try during his 26 minute appearance.

22. Ciarán Frawley - 8

An important cameo for the Connacht man who got 26 minutes alonside the main Irish half-back. Frawley kicked well and had some good passing moments in a lively showing.

23. Jamie Osborne - 7

A late replacement for Bundee Aki, Osborne showed some nice touches during his spell at full-back.


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