Ireland opened their November international campaign with a commanding 42-12 victory over Argentina in Dublin, but head coach Andy Farrell was left pondering what might have been despite the six-try spectacle. The Friday night contest under the lights at the Aviva Stadium showcased Ireland's attacking prowess, yet Farrell believes his side squandered an opportunity to deliver a truly ruthless performance.

Keenan Steals the Spotlight

Full-back Hugo Keenan produced a memorable hat-trick in his first home appearance in nearly two years, while Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast and Ronan Kelleher also crossed the whitewash. The hosts controlled 59 percent of territory and edged possession, but failed to add to their tally after the 55th minute when Kelleher finished off a rolling maul.

"The scoreline is a good one because not many teams do that to Argentina, they are a dangerous side," Farrell reflected. "I thought there was outstanding stuff and some clinical stuff, but I think the story of the game is we missed a chance to be ruthless."

Injury Concerns Mount

Farrell's satisfaction will be tempered by a growing injury list. Captain Dan Sheehan was withdrawn in the first half after failing a head injury assessment, though the coach indicated the hooker appeared fine in the dressing room. Wing Robert Baloucoune departed with a knock in the 58th minute, Sean Jansen took a blow to his knee, and both Josh van der Flier and Mack Hansen are nursing ankle issues.

The fitness of Baloucoune and Hansen is particularly significant given the electric performance of Ireland's back three. Keenan, Baloucoune and Hansen had only started together once before, four years ago against South Africa, and their combination proved devastating. Keenan's opening try stemmed from a sweeping move that saw Baloucoune surge into space before releasing Hansen, who set up the full-back to finish.

Back Three Brilliance

Farrell was effusive in his praise for his outside backs. "I thought back three outstanding. Hugo Keenan, 22 months since he played here and didn't remember what side of the pitch we warmed up, which was a bit of an insult," he said with a smile. "He was immense. Same with Mack and Rob. The pace they put onto the ball and they were a threat. I'm delighted with the back three."

Argentina had arrived in Dublin chasing a first away win over Ireland and, according to Tadhg Beirne, "came out firing" early on. Mateo Carreras crossed for the visitors, but Ireland weathered the storm and gradually imposed their game plan.

"What was pleasing about that was some of those tries were proper team tries and everyone was involved with them. That was the biggest takeaway from the game," Beirne added. Yet the second row shared his coach's sense of unfinished business. "We probably came away a little bit frustrated because we felt we didn't capitalise on a lot of the territory at the end of the game and the chances we had. That shows how good a performance it was to come away feeling like that."

Selection Dilemmas Ahead

Farrell also found positives in the performances of Craig Casey at scrum-half and Nick Timoney in the back row, while Prendergast's display at fly-half was largely encouraging. Asked whether those showings gave him selection food for thought, Farrell was unequivocal: "Definitely, 100 percent. That's exactly what you are after going into next week."

Ireland now turn their attention to Fiji's visit on 14 November before a stern examination against world champions South Africa and a finals weekend in London to close out the international window. With competition for places intensifying and injuries to manage, Farrell's squad faces a defining stretch.