Hugo Keenan hat-trick leads Ireland to 42-12 win over Argentina

Ireland beat Argentina by 30 points at the Aviva Stadium on November 6, 2026, sealing a bonus-point victory in the Nations Championship. Full-back Hugo Keenan scored a hat-trick in his first appearance at the Dublin ground since the 2025 Six Nations, a gap of 21 months caused by injury.

Keenan’s three tries came before the final quarter and made him the undisputed man of the match. “It’s been 21 months since I played here in green,” he said after the win. “It’s been tough watching the lads, so it’s great to be out here, and like the rest of the lads, good to be able to do it justice.”

Argentina’s Early Score Fades as Injuries Mount

Argentina struck first when Mateo Carreras towered over scrum-half Craig Casey to catch a cross-kick from Tomás Albornoz and score in the 11th minute, BBC Sport reported. Carreras added a second try in the second half, but those were Argentina’s only points. The Pumas lost outside centre Piccardo to a yellow card and captain Montoya and replacement Leonel Oviedo to failed head injury assessments, forcing loose-head prop Boris Wenger to play hooker.

Ireland’s back three carved through the visitors after Casey won a turnover penalty. Rob Baloucoune broke midfield and offloaded to Mack Hansen, who sent Keenan through for his first try. Nick Timoney, selected at open-side flanker ahead of Josh van der Flier, turned Albornoz over and later put Dan Sheehan over for Ireland’s second try. Ryan Baird stole a line-out to set up Hansen finding Keenan again for his second.

Prendergast’s Break Settles the Contest

With Ireland leading 21-5 at half-time, fly-half Sam Prendergast scored the game-sealing try through a clean break finished with a turn of speed, the Guardian reported. Rónan Kelleher added another late try. Coach Andy Farrell said his side dominated territory but admitted conversion “wasn’t where it needs to be at times.”

Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has recruited Mario Ledesma and Shaun Edwards to address a struggling scrum and defence, but the Guardian noted the Pumas were “beaten out the gate,” leaving Contepomi with limited time to reverse the side’s form before the 2027 World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long had Hugo Keenan been absent from the Aviva Stadium?
Keenan had not played at the Aviva since the 2025 Six Nations, a 21-month gap caused by injury, according to The Guardian.

What happened in the 2007 World Cup between these teams?
Felipe Contepomi was a key figure in keeping Ireland “under the thumb” during the 2007 World Cup, a result the Guardian cites as context for the rivalry’s World Cup history.

Who started at scrum-half for Ireland?
Craig Casey started ahead of long-time coach Andy Farrell’s usual choice Jamison Gibson-Park, BBC Sport reported.

Ireland and Argentina are expected to meet at a junction in the World Cup knockout stages.

The World Cup in a year’s time looms as the open question: whether Contepomi can improve a side that conceded six tries, or whether Ireland’s new standards under Farrell will hold when the two meet again on rugby’s biggest stage.

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