Ireland forced to dig deep to beat tough Pumas side
Saturday, 22 Nov 2008 18:13
O'Gara's accuracy with the boot ensured Ireland's win over Argentina
Ireland were forced to work hard for their 17-3 win over Argentina who were in with a chance of snatching the match themselves until the last ten minutes at Croke Park.
The win was an important one for Declan Kidney's side as it means they will be in the second group of seeds for the draw for the next World Cup.
It was a frustrating day for both sides with few scoring opportunities. Ronan O'Gara proved to be the difference between the sides as he notched 12 points with the boot to send Ireland clear.
In the closing five minutes of the match winger Tommy Bowe was able to collect O'Gara's cross-field kick to touch down in the corner.
Both sides appeared nervous in the opening half and an attritional game in which defence was on top saw few scoring chances.
Four minutes before half time the Pumas managed to take a brief lead when Santiago Fernandez made amends for an earlier penalty miss to make it 3-0.
Fernandez was a late call up to the starting XI after the influential Juan Martin Hernandez was injured in the warm-up.
However, Argentina's lead did not last long and Ireland went into the break level at 3-3 thanks to O'Gara's penalty.
The visitors were beginning to rue the absence of Martin Hernandez when Fernandez missed another penalty at the start of the second half.
O'Gara then made them pay for the miss more when he successfully slotted home his attempt to give Ireland the lead for the first time after 50 minutes.
The Munster fly-half added a drop-goal to extend Ireland's lead further and a penalty five minutes from time ensured the home side were more than a converted try ahead.
As the Pumas pushed forward for a vital score Ireland hit them on the counter-attack. As the play broke down O'Gara launched a high ball to the far corner and Bowe was able to collect it to confirm the win for Ireland.