Andy Farrell’s men created their own problems throughout the night and just about managed to see-out a nervy end against a 14-man Argentina
Caelon Doris says that Ireland’s discipline “was a factor again” in their shaky win over Argentina in the Autumn Nations Series.
Ireland emerged 22-19 winners from a scrappy contest against Los Pumas. Ireland conceded 13 penalties to the visitors’ 6 due to several sloppy errors including many offside calls.
Captain Doris made it clear that himself and the team were very aware that their discipline let them down tonight as it did in their loss to New Zealand last week.
Speaking to TNT Sports he said: “(It) went right down to the wire there, I was definitely happy with how we started. There was a good feeling through the warm-up and in the dressing room beforehand and that carried through to the start.
“We felt we were in a pretty good position at half-time and then the quality of them showed in the second half and it was back and forth.
“Our discipline was probably a factor again like last week, but we got the result which is the most pleasing thing off of the back of last week.”
When asked as to why exactly this team struggle with discipline he replied: “There’s different things, I was guilty of a few offsides. I think when you’re under pressure against quality teams you’re bound to make a couple of errors but there’s definitely some avoidable ones in there, so they’re the ones we need to take a look at.”
The sense of relief felt was echoed by manager Andy Farrell as well as he couldn’t help but smile during his interview after watching his team just about get through the final minutes of the game.
Farrell said: “I’m obviously very pleased to get the win. It must’ve been some test match, the atmosphere was amazing and Argentina really came to the party in the second half.
“I think we should’ve been more out of sight in the first half. If Tadhg (Beirne) goes over in the corner I think we’re playing some really good rugby.
“But I think everyone knows the story of the game, our lack of discipline at crucial times was a little bit individual and is something that we need to keep addressing.”
He added: “We just need to be a bit more patient.”
