Hugo Keenan breaks clear to score his second try against Argentina

Credit : Reuters/Cathal Mcnaughton

Is it time to fire up the emerald green bandwagon? Not quite yet. But this was not a bad start to Ireland ’s autumn; a 42-12 walloping of Los Pumas with Andy Farrell’s team still nowhere near their best. That should be highly encouraging for those of an Irish persuasion.

A year out from the World Cups of 2015, 2019 and 2023, Ireland had enjoyed banner seasons, eyeing up global glory. They never made it past the quarter-finals.

The build-up this time has been tougher going – the Aviva, unusually for this time of year – was not even full for this Nations Championship encounter. But perhaps Ireland will be better for it.…