What changed
Ireland opened their November campaign with a 42-12 win over Argentina in Dublin on 6 November 2026.
Hugo Keenan scored three tries in his first home appearance for Ireland since the 2025 Six Nations. Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast and Ronan Kelleher also crossed, but Ireland stopped scoring after the 55th minute.
Why it matters
The score says dominance. Andy Farrell’s reaction says unfinished business.
Ireland had 59% of the territory and edged possession. Argentina scored first through Mateo Carreras, yet Ireland eventually pulled clear with six tries. Farrell still felt they had missed chances to be ruthless, especially after Kelleher finished a rolling maul.
That matters with next year’s World Cup less than a year away. The informed speculation is encouraging but restrained: Ireland showed the attacking shape to overwhelm a dangerous Argentina side, without proving yet that they can sustain that level against the very best.
The back three offered the clearest glimpse of what Ireland could become. Keenan, Mack Hansen and Robert Baloucoune combined for the move that sparked Keenan’s first try, with Baloucoune breaking into space and Hansen putting Keenan over. All three have struggled with injuries over the past year.
That promise came with a cost. Sheehan failed a head injury assessment, while Baloucoune, Sean Jansen, Josh van der Flier and Hansen all raised injury concerns. Their severity and return timelines remain unclear.
Ireland have a convincing opening result. Farrell’s complaint is the useful part: six tries were not quite enough to make the performance feel complete.
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