Ireland player ratings vs Argentina: Keenan hat-trick steals show as three stars shine

Andy Farrell's side ran riot in Dublin, with Hugo Keenan stealing the headlines after a sensational hat-trick.

Several Ireland stars impressed as the hosts delivered a statement performance, although not everyone enjoyed their best night.

Here are our Ireland player ratings, with every player graded out of 10.

Scroll down for the Ireland player ratings vs Argentina:

One of Ireland's most consistent players over recent years continued to play a massive role on Friday night.

Competed for every high ball and looked dangerous when joining the attack from full-back. His positioning was superb as he crossed for three tries.

Also finished the night with the most carries for Ireland.

A constant attacking threat who looked dangerous with the ball in hand, as expected from one of the most in-form wingers in world rugby.

Was exposed defensively in the backfield at times, but the stadium came to life whenever he got the ball.

Carried well on the night with ten carries to facilitate Ireland's back three to operate.

On a night when Ireland had the chance to show off their attacking flair, the Ulster centre surprisingly struggled to get involved.

However, he helped create space for Ireland's back three and tired the Argentine defence with his powerful carrying.

Finished the night with seven carries.

Initially looked to have lost a yard of pace following his return from an extended injury lay-off.

However, he grew into the game and showed flashes of the attacking threat Ireland fans have come to expect.

Produced a brilliant moment of quick thinking to assist Keenan for Ireland's opening try.

Despite a few questionable decisions, he looked back to his usual best by the second half.

Struggled to make an early impact in dangerous attacking positions as Ireland's set-piece and back row led the way.

His first major contribution came after 30 minutes, when a trademark kick pinned Argentina near their own try line, eventually leading to Keenan's second try.

Showcased his brilliance in flashes, selling a superb dummy before slicing through the Argentine defence to score.

Looked eager to make things happen early on, with a clever box-kick putting Ireland into a promising attacking position.

However, he lost a crucial one-on-one aerial contest in the build-up to Mateo Carreras' opening try.

Questions must be asked about why he was left isolated in that position.

The game seemed to pass him by at times.

Took advantage of the weight difference in the scrum early on.

Looked more energetic and fitter than he has at any point since Leinster's Champions Cup final run at the end of last season.

One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby continued to show his trademark ability to appear in dangerous attacking positions.

Also impressed at lineout time, particularly in contrast to Argentina captain Julián Montoya, who struggled throughout.

Similar to Porter, looked both the most energetic he's seemed in years. Looked a threat with ball-in-hand and performed perfectly at scrum time.

Some questionable decision-making from a normally reliable ball carrier.

Seemed to get isolated whenever he got his hands on the ball, although he remained influential in other areas.

Came to life in the second half and became one of the biggest presences on the pitch.

Also improved his carrying, combining brilliantly in a well-worked attacking move for Keenan's third try.

Made his presence felt at lineout time, putting Argentina under enormous pressure.

Produced a crucial turnover inside his own 22.

A typically dependable Tadhg Beirne performance.

Making his first Ireland start following an extended injury lay-off, the Leinster flanker looked every bit the player he was before his setback.

Stole a lineout that led to Ireland's third try and followed it up with another impressive steal.

Also showed his attacking quality, producing a brilliant try assist for Keenan.

Initially struggled to make his usual impact at the breakdown, an area where Ireland are accustomed to the presence of Josh van der Flier.

However, he grew into the contest and produced a massive turnover that gave Ireland attacking possession inside Argentina's 22.

Played another crucial role in the set-piece move that led to Ireland's second try.

The Ulster flanker also helped create a try and produced a significant try-saving intervention.

Scroll down for more on Nick Timoney's performance against Argentina.

Had big boots to fill in the absence of Ireland's captain, but the Connacht No. 8 made his physical presence felt.

One of the United Rugby Championship's most impressive tacklers, he carried that form onto the international stage.

Produced several important defensive contributions, including a huge hit that forced a turnover inside Ireland's 22, just short of the try line.

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Who impressed — and who needs to do better? Rate Ireland’s players out of five stars and have your say on tonight’s performance.

Heading into Friday's game, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell made a point to remark on the return of Leinster 6 Ryan Baird.

"I can see massive growth in him, not just as a rugby player but as a person as well. It’s an exciting year for him. I think the world’s his oyster, really, if he goes about it the right way.” Farrell stated, as reported by The42, following his selection. And in a new Irish back row alongside Timoney and Jansen, who also came in for his second Ireland start, Baird backed that statement, as did both his teammates.

Nick Timoney: In a battle in what was once considered one of the best players in the World, since last year's Six Nations, Nick Timoney has made the Ireland shirt his own following his game on Friday night. Off the back of a first half where Ireland dominated a strong Argentine back row in Gonzalez, Kramer and Matera, the Ireland seven was the highlight of the night, in all areas. In the first half alone, the Ulster man came up with the most dominant tackles, including a try-saver late in the second half, as well as a turnover and a massive carry that set up Ireland's third try.

"Certainly, last year, I think he finally grabbed hold of the understanding of what he can bring and what international rugby is all about. We saw consistency within that." Farrell stated as reported by the BBC, following his team selection. And in the coming weeks, one of the most interesting angles will be the battle between the former World Rugby player of the year and one of the most in-form back-rowers in the world.

"Nick gets the chance to wear the seven jersey for the first time, and I'm sure Josh [van der Flier] will have something to do with that in the coming weeks as well."

Ryan Baird: On his usual day, Ryan Baird looks like a walking highlight reel, and things haven't changed since his injury. With multiple lineout steals, the Ireland back rower also got the chance to show his dynamic skill set with a fantastic try assist to set up Keenan for his second try of the game. Hasn't lost a step since his injury, with eight completed tackles, a try assist, and two lineout steals, one of which led to a try.

Sean Jansen: Coming in for his second-ever Ireland start off the back of Doris's injury, the Connacht eight showcased his entire skill set on the International stage on Friday. While his impact may go under the radar compared to both Timoney and Baird's standout nights, the Ireland eight was still undoubtedly among the best performers. Statistically, one of the best tacklers in the United Rugby Championship with a 91% success rate, Jansen was in the trenches on Friday, recording six completed tackles. While not quite offering the same offloading ability and turnover threat that the Irish captain offers, he still had a great physical impact, with the second-highest carry load in the first half from an Irish perspective.

With Farrell's new look Irish back row, Ireland have struck gold. Complete in all areas, both defensively and with the ball in hand, as well as at set-piece time, things could potentially get interesting in the run-up to the World Cup, with both Van Der Flier and Jack Conan coming into play for the next games and the 2027 Six Nations, respectively.