Stephen Ferris and Gordon D'Arcy both crossed for tries as Ireland finished this year's GUINNESS Series with a record win over regular rivals Argentina.
At a bitterly cold Aviva Stadium,
Stephen Ferris' 20th-minute try and an individual effort from
Gordon D'Arcy, in injury-time, helped Ireland stretch the margin to 20 points in what was a scrappy encounter.
Jonathan Sexton and Felipe Contepomi went head-to-head in an intriguing out-half battle, and Sexton outdid his former Leinster team-mate with a 100% place-kicking display and a 17-point contribution.
Argentina captain Contepomi contributed all of his side's points, but missed three penalty attempts and could not inspire the Pumas during a second half they dominated in terms of possession.
The first 40 minutes contained most of Ireland's best moments, with Ferris, man-of-the-match Heaslip and D'Arcy among those to impress.
Declan Kidney's men built for a final crescendo and after replacement Keith Earls was denied by a TMO decision, a clever chip and collect from D'Arcy put the seal on a deserved home victory.
The 30,476 spectators who braved the November chill were warmed by a solid opening quarter from Ireland, with returning full-back Geordan Murphy showing well in attack and the scrum staving off a bout of Argentinian pressure.
Full report to follow...
