Murray: Ireland building momentum after 42-12 win over Argentina

Ireland began their autumn series of Nations Championship matches by scoring six tries in a 42-12 win over Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday night. Afterwards on the Ireland Rugby Social podcast, BBC Sport NI's Gavin Andrews spoke to second row Joe McCarthy and co-presenter Conor Murray to analyse the performance.

The podcast conversation, available on BBC NI YouTube or on BBC Sounds, came as Ireland prepare for matches against Fiji and South Africa over the next couple of weeks. Murray and McCarthy reviewed areas to dissect from the victory and consider what may be to come for the remainder of November. The programme also included highlights from the game and a breakdown of individual contributions.

Murray singled out Hugo Keenan, who scored a hat-trick of tries, praising his influence on the pitch. "Hugo stood out but he's always going to do that. He talks so much on the pitch and makes it way easier for the players around him." "He looked incredibly fit, incredibly quick, explosive. He looked back to his best."

On the half-back pairing of Sam Prendergast and Craig Casey, Murray highlighted their control of the Test. "Craig and Sam marshalled the game really well. Not that there were question marks but they were a relatively new combination and it was their first time getting a big Test start together." "His passing was on the money and his kicking is top notch. The overall control is probably the test that Andy Farrell gave him."

Murray praised the forwards' display and noted returns from injury. "[Tadhg] Furlong went really well, he's always a standard-bearer anyhow and you get top-notch performances from him, but [Andrew] Porter, another player who came back from an extended period out with injury, he's come back and showed what he's about." "His explosiveness in open play and his fitness, he's like another back row on the field." "Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy, Ryan Baird, the back row, across the board, all really good. I think Nick Timoney and Josh [van der Flier] are in a real battle as regards that number seven jersey."

Addressing squad depth, Murray described the current options as strong and improving. "The depth we have now is really impressive. Over a year ago there were a good few injuries and people were worrying, not that there was panic, but wondering, 'where's the depth?'" "Those players are now in the squad and they are pushing lads across the board, pushing the other boys to perform. I think Irish rugby is going from strength to strength and it's really impressive to see."

On the forthcoming fixtures, Murray set expectations and underlined internal competition for places. "They [Ireland] should beat Fiji. I don't think that's getting ahead of ourselves. I think that's where Ireland rugby is at now." "The lads coming in next week will be thinking they have a chance to perform and will want to be in Andy and the coaches' minds for selection for the South Africa game." "They won't say it but everyone wants to be involved against South Africa."

Ireland now turn their attention to Fiji next week, with South Africa to follow, and Murray said squad members will view the upcoming fixtures as opportunities to force selection decisions for the South Africa game.