Hugo Keenan hat-trick as Ireland beat Argentina 42-12 in Dublin on Friday

Ireland defeated Argentina 42-12 in Dublin on Friday in the opening match of their November campaign, with Hugo Keenan scoring a hat-trick and Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast and Ronan Kelleher also crossing for the home side.

Head coach Andy Farrell had warned ahead of the game that his side needed to improve less than a year out from the World Cup, and he contrasted that admission with the disappointment of four years ago when Ireland fell short at the quarter-final stage. Mateo Carreras opened the scoring for Argentina, but Ireland ultimately dominated the match in Dublin.

Ireland crossed for six tries in total, with Keenan completing his treble and Kelleher finishing a rolling maul in the 55th minute; the team did not score after that point. Ireland held 59% territory throughout the game and also edged possession as they built a 30-point winning margin.

Farrell offered a mixed appraisal after the match, saying: "The scoreline is a good one because not many teams do that to Argentina, they are a dangerous side," and adding, "I thought there was outstanding stuff and some clinical stuff, but I think the story of the game is we missed a chance to be ruthless. "Having said that, the opportunities we had in the right end of the field showed the dominance in field position and territory."

Injuries will be a concern for Farrell after the match: captain Dan Sheehan was forced off in the first half after failing a head injury assessment, and Farrell said Sheehan "seems fine in the dressing room". Robert Baloucoune went off with a knock in the 58th minute, Sean Jansen sustained a "bang" to his knee, and Josh van der Flier and Mack Hansen both have ankle concerns; Hansen continued after receiving treatment.

The back three drew particular praise for their attacking impact. Keenan's first try began with Baloucoune powering into space and finding Hansen, who set up Keenan, and the three had only played together once before, four years ago against South Africa. Farrell said: "I thought back three outstanding. Hugo Keenan, 22 months since he played here and didn't remember what side of the pitch we warmed up, which was a bit of an insult. "He was immense. Same with Mack and Rob. They pace they put onto the ball and they were a threat. I'm delighted with the back three."

Second row James Ryan's teammate Beirne reflected on the contest, saying Argentina "came out firing" and that Ireland "weathered the storm and got into how we wanted to play the game." Beirne added: "What was pleasing about that was some of those tries were proper team tries and everyone was involved with them. That was the biggest takeaway from the game that." He later said: "We probably came away a little bit frustrated because we felt we didn't capitalise on a lot of the territory at the end of the game and the chances we had. "That shows how good a performance it was to come away feeling like that."

Farrell used the match to assess squad options: Craig Casey was given a chance at scrum-half with Jamison Gibson-Park returning to full fitness and, after a slow start, Casey "impressed" according to the report; Ulster back row Nick Timoney produced a strong display and Prendergast's showing at fly-half was described as largely positive as he "put his stamp on the 10 jersey." On whether performances would affect selection for the rest of the window, Farrell said: "Definitely, 100%." "That's exactly what you are after going into next week. "Having some good competition, we've had it for 10 days in training so how they performed highlights how they have been training. "Whatever side we pick next week, they'll be competing to play the following week."

Farrell must now finalise his assessment ahead of Fiji's visit to Dublin on 14 November, with world champions South Africa scheduled to follow before the finals weekend in London to round out the international window.