15. Rob Kearney 5
For all the solidity that Rob Kearney gives you in the air, his front-up tackling gets exposed. Too easily beaten for two of Argentina's tries.
14. Tommy Bowe 5.5
Fitzgerald coming on gave Ireland hope.
13. Keith Earls 7
He's done well in Payne's absence. All the worries were on his defense, and while he missed three tackles - there was no big defensive lapses. Three turnovers and a clean break made represent a good effort.
12. Robbie Henshaw 7.5
Henshaw really stepped up to the plate when Ireland needed him. Ireland's future rests with the young centre, and he'll be better for this experience.
11. Dave Kearney 6.5
It was an up and down day for the younger Kearney, who rivalled his brother in the bad tackling stakes. He showed up much better with ball in hand however, and seemed to make yards when he really shouldn't have.
10. Ian Madigan 6
Not a terrible performance from Madigan. He fronted up well. The missed kicks and the ball out on the full will stick in the memory though.
9. Conor Murray 7
His service was snappy, and his kicking on point. His influence during Ireland's purple patch was telling, but it wasn't there for long enough. That knock on at the back of the scrum really ended the game.
1. Cian Healy 5
Struggled a lot in the scrum, and wasn't fit enough. Jack McGrath improved Ireland when he came on.
2. Rory Best 8
An heroic performance. His breakdown work was amazing, and he played like an openside flanker. This time, his lineout was fantastic as well. The leader that Ireland needed.
3. Mike Ross 6
When Ireland's scrum goes backwards as much as it did in the first half you have to look at the tighthead.
4. Devin Toner 5
Another player who had a mixed bag. Stepped up when Ireland had the momentum, but fell into a shell and made costly errors and gave away silly penalties when we didn't.
5. Iain Henderson 7
Gave absolutely everything. You can't ask for more.
6. Jordi Murphy 6.5
Struggled mightily in the first half, but was one of the catalysts for reviving hope.
7. Chris Henry 8
He was outstanding. Another leader stepped up, and called for others to follow him. Tackled everything, and stuck his head in places that Argentina didn't want him.
8. Jamie Heaslip 7
13 tackles, one turnover - but the real story of Heaslip's game was his contributions for the other turnovers in the game. The cleanouts, the tackles.
Replacements:
16. Richardt Strauss 6
He made six tackles in ten minutes. That's impressive.
17. Jack McGrath 8
He should really have started. He is on form. He's a better scrummager, and his ferocity at rucktime shone off the screen.
18. Nathan White 7
An impressive cameo. He did well around the pitch, and helped turned the tide in the scrum
19. Donnacha Ryan 6
Not on long enough to effect much. Made one nice turnover.
20. Rhys Ruddock 6
Not on long enough
21. Eoin Reddan 6
The game was over by the time Reddan came on.
23. Luke Fitzgerald 9
A fantastic performance. He took his try well, but his break for Jordi Murphy's try was even better. Great power, pace, and offload.
