Keenan hat-trick helps Ireland thrash Argentina 42-12 in Nations Championship

Dublin, November 6 - Hugo Keenan's hat-trick of tries proved decisive as Ireland overwhelmed Argentina 42-12 in an international match of the Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium. Argentina, who had never won an away game against Ireland in their previous 11 meetings, grabbed an early lead but soon found themselves playing catch-up.

Two tries from fullback Keenan and one from Dan Sheehan put Ireland 21-5 up by halftime. Sam Prendergast added a try of his own before the Irish onslaught continued with two more Keenan tries and a Ronan Kelleher try, giving Ireland a comfortable six-try victory. Argentina's only response came from a second try from Mateo Carreras, but it was not enough to stem the flow of points for the hosts.

Ireland finished the weekend in fourth place in the Northern Hemisphere section of the competition and will face Fiji and South Africa in home matches before the tournament finals at Twickenham. Argentina will head to Italy and France next.