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.<\/p>\n
“It was the best performance that I have seen since our win in Twickenham in March,” Jackman wrote in the Irish Independent.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Jackman highlighted the increased speed and accuracy of Ireland’s play<\/a>, suggesting that Farrell’s renewed emphasis on fitness has helped restore some of the attacking fluency that had been missing.<\/p>\n He was also impressed by the performances of Craig Casey and Nick Timoney, who were selected ahead of more established alternatives.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “He looks like he’s got his swagger back.”<\/p>\n Our pundits assess Sam Prendergast’s performance.\u00a0#VMSport<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/FCoK8VKTZS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Hugo Keenan’s Return Makes An Enormous Difference<\/p>\n \n Recommended\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n While Farrell’s selection decisions attracted attention, Jackman reserved particular praise for Hugo Keenan<\/a>, whose three tries earned him the Player of the Match award.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Jackman suggested that Keenan’s influence extends well beyond his attacking contributions, pointing to his defensive positioning and ability to anticipate danger.<\/p>\n “As our last line of defence, he is incredible and a line break against us is far from fatal with him around,” he wrote.<\/p>\n The way he varies his running lines and timing on to the ball seems to be even better than before his injury.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “I really liked the look of Sam Illo off the bench \u2014 he is a real find,” Jackman added.<\/p>\n \u201cIT’S BEEN TOUGH WATCHING ON\u201d <\/p>\n Hat-trick hero Hugo Keenan says he was eager to get back involved and make the Irish crowd proud.<\/p>\n Three tries and Player of the Match. What a return! \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa Catch up on all the action on Virgin Media PLAY.#VMSport<\/a> #NationsChampionship<\/a> #IREvARG<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Jjy2hjieHp<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Springbok Litmus Test<\/p>\n Despite his enthusiasm about Ireland’s performance, Jackman acknowledged that Argentina’s limited preparation time had worked in the home side’s favour.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Jackman nevertheless believes there were enough encouraging signs in Ireland’s performance to suggest that the improvement can be sustained against stronger opposition.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n SEE MORE: Shane Lowry Reveals How Johnny Sexton Helped Him Come To Terms With Heartbreaking Defeat<\/a><\/p>\n
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