Hugo Keenan leaves Pumas panting in Ireland romp

Hugo Keenan scored a hat-trick as Ireland maintained their perfect home record against Argentina by easing to a 42-12 bonus-point win in the Nations Championship.

The Pumas stunned Andy Farrell’s 2025 British and Irish Lions squad on their last visit to the Aviva Stadium but had lost all 11 previous meetings with Ireland in Dublin.

Mateo Carreras’ try gave Felipe Contepomi’s side an early advantage before full-back Keenan crossed either side of a score from captain Dan Sheehan to help the hosts lead 21-5 at the break.

Sam Prendergast registered his maiden international try to add to five successful conversions, with Keenan’s third and Ronan Kelleher’s powerful finish sealing an emphatic victory.

Ireland’s win was a third from four matches in the Nations Championship after summer successes against Australia and Japan were followed by defeat against New Zealand.

Argentina claimed a consolation through Carreras’ second of the evening, but their bid to spring a surprise was hindered by yellow cards for Justo Piccardo and Efraín Elias, plus an early head injury for skipper Julian Montoya.