Ireland player ratings: 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 a nicking this one.
The Irish were off the pace in their Autumn Nations Series opener, the 10-point defeat seeing them relinquish the World Rugby No1 ranking, but their reaction has been to keep faith with 14 of those 15 starters.
Andy Farrell saw his men put in one of their worst performances under his tenure and that has made a win over Los Pumas pivotal
A perennial problem for Irish rugby is once again rearing its ugly head.
New Zealand exerted the 'Aviva squeeze' on an Irish team which looks to have lost its innovative lustre.
The consensus was that Ireland would giddily deliver a performance reflective of their World Rugby number one ranking and stick it to Scott Robertson’s 'unconvincing' All Blacks.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has opted for Munster No 10 Jack Crowley to start on Friday against the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium.
Leinster player ratings: Leinster delivered an impressive performance in front of the 18,000 or so fans packed in the Aviva, showcasing flashes of brilliance in attack while keeping the Lions’ threats at bay for most of the game.