Player ratings: Ireland

OPINION: Ireland were once again afflicted by unforced errors in a hard-fought 22-19 win at HQ but there were enough reserves of resolve to save the day from an Argentinian side that came within a whisker of nicking this one.

This altogether nervy performance from Ireland might not be enough to banish the ghosts of New Zealand, but it will do wonders for the confidence.

Ian Cameron rates the Ireland players!

1. Andrew Porter – 7

Had his hands full in the scrum against the 139kg Joel Sclavi. Was industrious in defence and was one of Ireland’s most frequent carriers too.

2. Ronan Kelleher – 6

A better effort than last weekend’s efforts, even if not blemish-free. Tried hard in open play and had his moments, even if accidentally running in front of Joe McCarthy – handing Tomos Albornoz a well-taken 3-pointer – was not one of them.

3. Finlay Bealham – 6.5

Held his own at scrum time for the most part and popped up to carry competently on occasion. Got binned for a soft-looking croc-roll in the 17th minute, which is a real hot button for officials at the moment.

4. Joe McCarthy – 8

Put in a tireless shift, which was duly rewarded in the 32nd minute when he crashed his way over off a James Lowe charge. Constantly in amongst it, even if he went into mullet mode when sin-binned in the 50th minute.

5. James Ryan – 7

Carried well and topped Ireland’s dominant tackle charts. Uncharacteristically lacked composure under pressure at times, most notably a 8th-minute fumble that gifted Argentina a scrum in Ireland’s 22.

6. Tadhg Beirne – 7.5

The odd turnover aside he was one of Ireland’s standout forwards, making crucial turnovers and consistently disrupting Argentina. A defensive bulwark who fought tooth and nail to keep Ireland in the game. Unlucky not to score after knocking on over the line.

7. Josh van der Flier – 6.5

Spent most of his time on the field in the trenches, scrapping for spare change. Not his most effective game but it was by no means a bad outing.

8. Caelan Doris – 7

Carried with intent and gained meters, even if Los Pumas’ tackling was particularly unyielding. No figurative trees pulled up but he never shirked the combat zone.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 6

By no means was this his flashiest performance but his service was solid even his kick-to-contest game was a little off. Got caught napping by Julian Montoya on occasion.

10. Jack Crowley – 8

This writer has been critical of Crowley in the past but this was first-class stuff for the most part. Shook off a huge head contact to moments later slice his way through the blue wall for Ireland’s first try. Kicked well for territory, at goal and showed his ability to play heads-up rugby when it was on.

11. James Lowe – 5

Again a threat with ball in hand after a mixed game against the All Blacks last week, injecting energy into Ireland’s in both attack and defence; holding Guido Petti up to win Ireland a penalty in the 13th minute being a highlight. Againsst that, was just far, far too loose here and looked desperate at times.

12. Robbie Henshaw – 5.5

Back on the starting sheet at the expense of Bundee Aki and he proved his value here – initially at least. Bullocking runs and a brick wall in defence were the order of the day in the first half, before he faded in the second, another Irish player infected with butter-fingeritis.

13. Garry Ringrose – 6

Seemed to have been off to a horror start after throwing a telegraphed pass that was intercepted, but was saved when the subsequent Argentinian try not scrubbed off. There was no escaping his second-half missed tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia however, even if he was superb at times with ball in hand.

14. Mack Hansen – 6

One of Ireland’s livelier players on what was a scrappy night at times. Made look silly by Mallia [he wasn’t the only one to be fair] and was guilty of forcing it at times in attack. Could be found on occasion geeing up the crowd, which Tony Ward must have hated.

15. Hugo Keenan – 6

The usual safety net under the high ball and made a couple of semi-promising runs. That said, he’s not as influential in attack, where his blade has been slightly dulled of late.

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Replacements:

16. Rob Herring – 5

Got through plenty of work, even if a late missed tackle didn’t help Irish nerves.

17. Cian Healy – 6

Brought experience off the bench to equal Ireland’s all-time Test cap appearances record held by Brian O’Driscoll.

18. Thomas Clarkson – 8

Against a mediocre evening for Ireland, Clarkson shone. Wasn’t always rewarded for his dominance as both traded illegal blows at the set-piece, but he gave as good as he got.

19. Ryan Baird – 5

Got stuck in but didn’t add a great deal other than hard graft.

20. Peter O’Mahony – 6

A huge roar greeted the Munster veteran as if the baying Aviva crowd were willing him to singlehandedly save Ireland.

21. Craig Casey – NA

Not on long enough to rate.

22. Sam Prendergast – 6.5

Showed heart in his 20-minute cameo in difficult circumstances, even if he tried to do it all himself at times.

23. Jamie Osborne – 7.5

Looked sharp and hungry in his cameo, adding a bit of spark to Ireland’s haphazard attack.

@Rugbypass