Ireland 46-24 Argentina, November 24
Kidney in dreamland after seven-try win
ESPN Staff
November 24, 2012
Ireland's Jonny Sexton and Tommy Bowe celebrates, Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, November 24, 2012
Ireland put in an impressive showing against the Pumas © PA Photos
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Ireland boss Declan Kidney described their seven-try win over Argentina as "one of the good days" as they ended their five-Test losing run in spectacular fashion.

The Irish secured their place in the second tier batch of seeds ahead of the 2015 World Cup draw thanks to a powerful 46-24 victory. Jonathan Sexton and Tommy Bowe both grabbed a brace and Kidney praised his side for their impressive showing.

"You never in your wildest dreams think you'll score that number of tries against Argentina," Kidney said. "If things click then this team is well capable of doing that. Today was one of the good days.

"We didn't get too despondent after the defeat by South Africa two weeks ago and we won't be too disappointed following today. This result makes it a whole lot easier to go to training the next time we meet.

"If I say it was the complete performance I'll be out of a job! There's always things to be done."

Ulster winger Craig Gilroy produced a remarkable Test debut, tormenting Argentina's defence throughout and finishing with a wonderful try. The 21-year-old was also involved in the build up to three other tries and Kidney admitted the squad's younger brigade had lifted the spirits.

"I've been saying for the last two weeks they've been a pleasure to work with," he said. "The enthusiasm of the young lads who've come in - not just Craig but some of the others who didn't play - has been infectious. We talked about having a go at it and that paid off. We picked off a few good tries and that confidence flowed through the team."

Argentina captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe lamented a disappointing conclusion to a breakthrough year for the Pumas that included their entrance into the Rugby Championship.

"That was a sad way to end the season. Now we must spend six months without seeing each other. It's not what we wanted," he said. "Rugby is usually won by the team who wants it most and we were over-run in every aspect.

"We had a good week and were fresh for this match. We've improved over the year but this is a sad way to finish. Now that we have 12 games a year together we will continue to improve and we know we are not the finished product."

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