Jeopardy is a term that has gained significant traction in rugby, often used to describe the structure of competitions and individual matches. This particular match was filled with it. While not always apparent, especially in the first half when Ireland appeared much improved compared to their performance against the All Blacks, the final stretch of the game, with Argentina down a man, was packed with jeopardy. When the pressure finally eased for the home team, nearly all of them called for a knock-on.
In compensation for last week's light rain, the weather cleared well before kick-off, resulting in a game with fewer stoppages and, thankfully, fewer scrums: just one in the opening quarter. This led to plenty of fast-paced, watchable rugby. Whether Felipe Contepomi encouraged his team to channel the spirit of '99—25 years after Argentina leapfrogged Ireland in the rugby hierarchy during a historic World Cup night in Lens—is unknown, but they were relentless in their pursuit.
Contepomi, then just 22, was coming off the bench as Ireland unraveled and the Pumas showed their teeth. Since then, he has been deeply involved in battles with Ireland, a rivalry intensified by his time in Ireland. His mood must have been sour when Matias Moroni's try was disallowed after just two minutes due to a head-to-head collision with Jack Crowley, 70 meters upfield. Adding to the frustration, Crowley scored soon after, turning a potential points swing into a missed opportunity.
Despite conceding two tries and having a player sent to the bin within the first six minutes, Argentina kept their composure. Tomás Albornoz chipped away at Ireland's lead, and they continued this strategy even after Finlay Bealham was temporarily sidelined for a dangerous tackle. By the dying minutes of the first half, they were pushing hard near the Ireland line but failed to score. This sequence likely influenced the discussions in the home changing room.
Joe McCarthy's try just after the half-hour mark was their third, and they maintained their defensive integrity, a significant improvement from the previous week. A seven-point lead for the tourists would have provided the perfect launchpad into the second half. However, it wasn't until Juan Cruz Mallia executed a perfect run around the corner, leaving three green shirts in his wake from 40 meters, that the game truly came alive again.
These are the moments Andy Farrell wants Ireland to remain calm and assured, pressing the ruthless defense button. The console must have been in need of service, as they hit reverse. With McCarthy receiving a yellow card for persistent offside, Albronoz added another three points. At this point, the IRFU might have considered a second mortgage to regain momentum, which presented itself with McCarthy's return and debutant Sam Prendergast's entry.
Despite conceding 11 penalties, they were winning the territorial battle, even if it meant kicking away valuable ball. Cian Healy's arrival off the bench was a landmark moment, joining Brian O'Driscoll with 133 caps. His continued presence is a testament to his perseverance and a reflection of the lack of depth in the Irish prop department. Thomas Clarkson's debut at tight head was commendable, but more depth is needed.
With the game entering its final 10 minutes, Contepomi prayed for a shift in territory while Farrell took solace in the gap between the blue shirts and the green line. Francisco Gomez Kodela's dangerous clean-out on Caelan Doris cost Argentina a man, leaving Contepomi questioning the timing. The prospect of zero from two was always a long shot, but it kept Farrell and his captain on edge all week. The endgame proved their concerns were justified.
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