With the much anticipated New Zealand test looming large in the background, the opening international of the November Guinness Series always had a bit of a matinee feel to it, the prelude to the main event.

Donal Lenihan on what Ireland must do to beat Argentina.

Preparations for Saturday’s meeting with Argentina have, to put it mildly, been challenging but Garry Ringrose isn’t tempted to reach for any excuses ahead of Ireland’s clash with the South Americans.

Ulster are making no official comment on speculation in New Zealand and Australia that their newly appointed head man Jono Gibbes is being hunted by Wallaby coach Michael Cheika.

Munster are hoping for another new contract boost with the retention of Ireland back-three star Andrew Conway to follow extended deals announced last night for forwards Billy Holland, Stephen Archer, and Kevin O’Byrne.

Ireland 28 Argentina 19: Another Guinness Series in the books, a handful of new Ireland caps and three satisfying if not perfect victories for Joe Schmidt to ponder before he gets his players back to build for the 2018 Six Nations.

The Conrad Hotel, Dublin.

The saying down Munster way used to claim that Superman wore Paul O’Connell pyjamas.

Conor Murray is a maker of moments.

‘Revenge: The action of inflicting harm on someone for an injury or harm suffered at their hands.”

The All Blacks juggernaut hit a road bump in the British and Irish Lions series but it should be back to business as usual for the world champions when they take on South Africa, Australia and Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Super Rugby’s expansion into Asian and Latin American markets was hailed as a watershed for the sport’s globalisation but the struggles of the three new teams have become an awkward sideshow for the sprawling competition.

FROM the fifth minute onward when Ireland chose a scrum rather than a more predictable option after being awarded a free kick and dismantled the Argentine Jaguares at what they are renowned for doing best, there could have been only one outcome to last night’s A international at the splendid new stadium in Tallaght.

Ireland A 31 Argentina Jaguares 0

IN a far-sighted new initiative, the IRFU are bringing the international game to Tallaght for the first time tonight when Michael Bradley’s Ireland A team take on their Argentine counterparts, known as the Jaguares, at the recently opened stadium, better known as the home of Shamrock Rovers.