Ireland got back to winning ways with a tight 22-19 win against Argentina in the Autumn Nations Series but importantly returned to that winning habit under Andy Farrell.
A error-strewn effort against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium last week has been heavily scrutinised in recent days, the game proving to be their first home loss in three years.
The All Blacks picked up a 23-13 win on a night where the penalty count was uncharacteristically high from an Irish perspective.
Ireland's ill-discipline was not the only thing under the spotlight after that loss, with the Aviva Stadium atmosphere again coming into question.
The Friday night fixture promised to deliver a memorable effort from the crowd, however ultimately fell flat as the game went away from the hosts.
It is not the first time the atmosphere at the Dublin 4 venue has come into question, with similar concerns being vocalised during the 2024 Six Nations campaign.
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Joe McCarthy thanks crowd after Argentina win
However, there had been a notable improvement from the wave on Irish fans in attendance this time around by comparison to last week and Joe McCarthy was quick to highlight that fact.
The second-row first highlighted the impact of what he labelled a 'feckin amazing' atmosphere in the Aviva, off the back of recent criticism.
In his post-match interview with TNT Sports, McCarthy skimmed over the first question and paid tribute to the home crowd in Dublin.
I just wanted to say a big thanks to all the crowd here.
There has been a bit of stick about the Aviva Stadium and the atmosphere but it is fecking amazing today!
We were really sorry that we disappointed you last week but we really just wanted to show how much it means to us.
We really appreciate your support. It means the world to us. Thank you.
McCarthy - who has become a key player in the Irish pack over the last 18 months - picked up the Man of the Match award after a try-scoring performance.
Jack Crowley opened the scoring with a try for Ireland before adding a drop-goal on trio of a couple of conversions to his night's work.
Mack Hansen also crossed over for Ireland but they were forced to hang on at the end with the Pumas in pursuit of a late match-winner, prior to an untimely knock-on.
It is a welcome result for Ireland ahead of what they will view to be two winnable fixtures at home to Fiji and then Joe Schmidt's Australia.
