Bernard Jackman believes Andy Farrell’s side produced their best performance in months during Friday night’s emphatic victory over Argentina, suggesting that Ireland are finally beginning to rediscover the form that made them one of the most feared teams in world rugby.
Ireland ran in six tries during their 42-12 victory at the Aviva Stadium, with Hugo Keenan scoring a hat-trick in a performance that offered plenty of encouragement following a difficult period for Farrell’s side.
Having faced questions over their attacking performances and the direction of the team in recent months, Ireland looked considerably sharper against the Pumas, with several of Farrell’s more contentious selection decisions paying off.
Writing in his column for the Irish Independent, Jackman suggested that Friday’s display was even more impressive than Ireland’s victory over England at Twickenham earlier this year.
Bernard Jackman Sees Signs Of Ireland’s Best Form Returning
Ireland’s attacking game has come under considerable scrutiny in recent months, but Jackman believes the performance against Argentina demonstrated that the improvements Farrell has been demanding are beginning to materialise.
The former Leinster and Connacht hooker was particularly encouraged by Ireland’s ability to create opportunities through their attacking structure, rather than relying on individual moments of brilliance.
“It was the best performance that I have seen since our win in Twickenham in March,” Jackman wrote in the Irish Independent.
In fact, Friday was a better performance because there were a lot of elements Ireland can repeat against most opposition and while scoring six tries is brilliant, we created lots more opportunities. Our attacking game was back on point.”
Jackman highlighted the increased speed and accuracy of Ireland’s play, suggesting that Farrell’s renewed emphasis on fitness has helped restore some of the attacking fluency that had been missing.
He was also impressed by the performances of Craig Casey and Nick Timoney, who were selected ahead of more established alternatives.
With Casey preferred to Jamison Gibson-Park and Timoney starting instead of Josh van der Flier, Farrell had made several significant calls before kick-off.
Jackman felt all three selections were justified by their performances, with Ireland’s improved work at the breakdown allowing their half-backs to dictate proceedings.
“He looks like he’s got his swagger back.”
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Hugo Keenan’s Return Makes An Enormous Difference
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While Farrell’s selection decisions attracted attention, Jackman reserved particular praise for Hugo Keenan, whose three tries earned him the Player of the Match award.
The Leinster full-back has endured an injury-disrupted period, but his return to the Ireland side provided an immediate reminder of his importance to Farrell’s system.
Jackman suggested that Keenan’s influence extends well beyond his attacking contributions, pointing to his defensive positioning and ability to anticipate danger.
“As our last line of defence, he is incredible and a line break against us is far from fatal with him around,” he wrote.
The way he varies his running lines and timing on to the ball seems to be even better than before his injury.”
The former Ireland international also singled out Ryan Baird for his work at blindside flanker, while praising Connacht prop Sam Illo’s contribution from the bench.
“I really liked the look of Sam Illo off the bench — he is a real find,” Jackman added.
“IT’S BEEN TOUGH WATCHING ON”
Hat-trick hero Hugo Keenan says he was eager to get back involved and make the Irish crowd proud.
Three tries and Player of the Match. What a return! 🔥
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Springbok Litmus Test
Despite his enthusiasm about Ireland’s performance, Jackman acknowledged that Argentina’s limited preparation time had worked in the home side’s favour.
While Ireland enjoyed an extended build-up to Friday’s encounter, the Pumas had considerably less time together, with several players returning from club commitments shortly before the match.
Jackman nevertheless believes there were enough encouraging signs in Ireland’s performance to suggest that the improvement can be sustained against stronger opposition.
Ireland’s next assignment comes against Fiji, now coached by former South Africa boss Jake White, before a much sterner examination awaits against the Springboks.
Jackman is confident that Ireland will overcome Fiji but believes the meeting with South Africa will offer the clearest indication yet of where Farrell’s side stand.
“South Africa absolutely destroyed Italy in Turin yesterday and our match against the best team in the world will tell us where we really stand.”
For Farrell, the challenge now will be ensuring that Friday’s performance represents a genuine turning point rather than a brief return to form, with the world champions waiting to test just how far Ireland have progressed.
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