Flying Simon Zebo

By Gary Watton
June 15 2014

Two second-half tries from Simon Zebo and replacement Ian Madigan turned the second test in Argentina on its head, ensuring that the Irish would secure their first-ever series win in Argentina. The visitors had trailed ten points to nine at the interval, relying upon the boot of Jonny Sexton to convert three penalties, but their dominance at the set pieces proved decisive in the end.

In fact, were it not for a late converted try for the hosts, then the margin of victory would have been more emphatic. Ultimately, it is difficult to pour too much cold water upon Ireland's successful excursion to Argentina. Several fringe players were upgraded to the first team and it is no mean feat to triumph in Argentina with two much-changed, under-strength teams. The consensus of opinion is that Diack, Henderson, and Rhys Ruddock made a favourable impression amongst the forwards, whilst behind the scrum, the trio of Cave, Ian Madigan, and Simon Zebo will have fond memories of this short tour. Admittedly, England's two titanic tussles with the mighty All Blacks has caught the eye a lot more and will stand them in good stead for future skirmishes, but Ireland can only see positives ahead after six months of progress that have produced six wins (three of them away to Argentina and France) and a narrow defeat at Twickenham. Joe Schmidt will insist that there is room for improvement, but fortunately there is ample quality amongst the squad to ensure that the Oirish are more than competitive over the course of the next few years.

Argentina 17 IRELAND 23; in Tucumán; Saturday 14th June 2014

15 Kearney

14 Trimble

13 McFadden

12 Cave

11 Zebo (TRY)

10 Sexton (3 penalties, conversion) replaced by Madigan (TRY, conversion)

9 Reddan

8 Heaslip

7 Henry

6 Ruddock

5 O'Connell (captain)

4 Toner

3 Ross

2 Best

1 Kilcoyne