Player ratings: Blown away
Yes, for large parts of the game the Irish looked like they would come back from that early blitz by Argentina, but a second blitz late in the second half gave the Pumas a deserved 43-20 win.
It was four tries to two and suggest the Pumas were twice as good. Perhaps not, but on the day the were clearly superior in their execution of tactics and plays.
Jan de Koning rates the Ireland players!
15 Rob Kearney:
Showed his value with ball in hand, but was cruelly exposed on defence.
5/10
14 Tommy Bowe:
Left the field with an injury after just 12 minutes. Not enough time to be rated.
13 Keith Earls:
Came into his own with a few handy breaks after a slow start, but then missed some crucial tackles and conceded a couple of crucial penalties.
5/10
12 Robbie Henshaw:
Conceded far too many turnovers, especially in the first half and found the Argentinean defence just too strong. Made all but one of his tackles.
5/10
11 Dave Kearney:
Was a threat with ball in hand, but at times easily beaten by Argentinean runners – missing more tackles than he made.
4/10
10 Ian Madigan:
Took on the defensive line, but was well marked. Also missed a crucial second-half penalty.
6/10
9 Conor Murray:
Was instrumental in the play that got Ireland's first try. Was very good for most part, but had a few wobbles late in the second half.
6/10
8 Jamie Heaslip (captain):
Some monster hits on defence – standing up to the bruising Argentinean forwards. However, sometimes pushes the envelope too far and conceded penalties in kickable positions.
7/10
7 Chris Henry:
Some impressive carries and worked very hard on defence. However, slipped a few tackles and conceded a couple of penalties.
6/10
6 Jordi Murphy:
Won some crucial turnovers at the breakdown when Argentina looked to land a killer blow. Was lucky to get away with his illegal tactics of scrumming next to his prop instead of behind him.
8/10
5 Iain Henderson:
Worked hard without much reward. Made most of his tackles, but also guilty of conceding a couple of silly penalties.
5/10
4 Devin Toner:
Worked very hard, even when his team was under pressure and was a secure source of line-out possession. Not flawless, but valuable.
7/10
3 Mike Ross:
Was constantly under pressure in the scrums. Was lucky not to have been penalised more often for his illegal collapsing.
5/10
2 Rory Best:
The rock in the Ireland pack. Some crucial turnovers and working hard in slowing down ball when the Pumas looked to up the ante.
8/10
1 Cian Healy:
Struggled in the scrums and concede a few penalties. His workrate was also poor.
4/10
Replacements:
16 Richardt Strauss (on for Best, 67th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Jack McGrath (on for Healy, 51st min):
Made his tackles, but contributed little else.
5/10
18 Nathan White (on for Ross, 51st min):
Made two ineffective carries and four tackles. Not a big contribution.
5/10
19 Donnacha Ryan (on for Henderson, 71st min):
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Rhys Ruddock (on for Murphy, 70th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Eoin Reddan (on for Murray, 70th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Paddy Jackson:
Not used.
23 Luke Fitzgerald (on for Bowe, 12th min):
Not only showed blistering pace in scoring Ireland first try, but also his power in busting a tackle that resulted. Used his chance.
7/10
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