There were a lot of positives to carry on going into a much harder proposition in six days when they play Ireland at the Aviva on Friday.
The subplot is thicker and more appealing. As much as it is Italy v Argentina, it will also be Gonzalo Quesada v Felipe Contepomi, former teammates, old neighbours in Las Lomas de San Isidro.
Italy and Argentina have both named sides with only two players with fewer than 10 caps for their encounter in Udine on Saturday.
The second row has just completed his first involvement in The Rugby Championship, making six appearances for Los Pumas – three as a starter – and was a second half try-scorer in his country’s August 10 win over the All Blacks in Wellington.
Argentina captain Julian Montoya is set to win his 100th cap on Saturday in Santa Fe against Australia in round four of the Rugby Championship.
Argentina's bright start to The Rugby Championship is now firmly in the rearview mirror as they let slip a late lead to fall to the Wallabies 20 - 19 in La Plata.
Argentina enforcer Marcos Kremer has reverted to the back row to face Australia in La Plata on Saturday after starting at lock against the All Blacks in round two of the Rugby Championship.
Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has confirmed that Ireland wing Mack Hansen has completed a full pre-season and is expected to be ready for their first United Rugby Championship match of the season on September 21.