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O'Connell (20'), Butler (34', 53'), Coombes (44'), O'Brien (67')
Tries
Valarolo (18'), Oviedo (49'), Pernas (63'), Wade (80')
Butler (45', 54', 68')
Conversions
Hernandez (19', 50', 63'), Farise (81')
Munster edged Argentina XV 31–28 in a thrilling contest at Thomond Park, with a mix of youthful energy and seasoned leadership proving decisive in a match that showcased both sides’ attacking flair and physicality.
Match Review: Resilience and Breakthroughs
Captain Jack O’Donoghue once again led from the front, but it was the blend of emerging talent and established performers that defined this victory. Munster’s five-try haul underlined their attacking intent, with Evan O’Connell and Tony Butler both crossing in the first half—landmark moments as each registered their first tries for the province. The second half saw further scores from Gavin Coombes, Butler (again), and Seán O’Brien, with Butler also flawless from the tee, converting all three second-half tries.
Argentina XV began the match with ferocious intensity, dominating the opening twenty minutes through sheer physicality and relentless pressure. Their early score set the tone, but Munster’s composure in defence and opportunism in attack allowed them to wrestle back momentum before the break.
Argentina XV: Power and Promise
The unbeaten 2025 Argentina XV showcased their immense potential on the field, demonstrating dynamic running lines and precise offloads that continually tested Munster’s resilient defence. Throughout the match, their relentless energy and strategic play kept the pressure on, highlighting their skill and determination. Despite Munster’s strong second-half lead, Argentina fought back with unwavering spirit, emphasizing their growing strength and promising future in international rugby. Their performance left fans optimistic about what lies ahead for this talented team.
Key Performances: Youth Steps Up
· Tony Butler: A standout display at fly-half, not only scoring twice but also controlling territory with maturity beyond his years.
· Evan O’Connell: Marked his first start of the season with a try, showing his growing influence in the second row.
· Seán O’Brien: Provided a crucial midfield spark, his second-half try proving vital in maintaining Munster’s lead.
· Gavin Coombes: Once again a powerhouse in the pack, combining work rate with a decisive score.
Atmosphere and Context
Played under the lights at Thomond Park, the fixture carried the feel of a festival occasion, with both sets of supporters treated to an open, high-tempo game. For Munster, this was more than just a friendly—it was a chance to test squad depth against international-standard opposition. For Argentina XV, it was a valuable step in their European tour, sharpening players for potential senior call-ups.
Final Thoughts
Munster's narrow 31–28 victory not only extended their unbeaten streak but also underscored the effectiveness of their strategic rotation policy. By carefully managing their squad, the team continues to develop emerging talent. The match served as a testament to Munster’s commitment to nurturing their players, showcasing their depth and resilience. With URC fixtures looming, this win provides both momentum and validation of their squad-building strategy.
Argentina XV proved to be a formidable development side, providing a challenging test that further boosted Munster’s confidence. This achievement validates their approach to squad-building, emphasizing the importance of versatility and continuous growth to maintain their competitive edge on the international stage.
Munster Player Ratings vs Argentina XV
· Josh Wycherley – 7: Solid in the scrum and busy around the park. Didn’t dominate but provided a reliable platform.
· Ronan Foxe – 6.5: On his first senior start, he held his own against a powerful Argentine pack. A couple of scrummaging wobbles, but a promising debut.
· Lee Barron – 7: Accurate at the lineout and industrious in defence. A steadying influence in a youthful front row.
· Conor Ryan – 6.5: A quiet debut but showed glimpses of physicality. Still adjusting to the pace at this level.
· Evan O’Connell – 8: Marked his first start of the season with a try. Energetic in the loose and a key lineout option.
· Jack O’Donoghue (c) – 8: Led with authority, making crucial tackles and carrying hard. His leadership was vital in the closing stages.
· Gavin Coombes – 8.5: A powerhouse performance capped with a try. Dominant in contact and relentless in work rate.
· Ruadhán Quinn – 7: Busy at the breakdown and showed good defensive instincts. Still raw, but growing into his role.
· Paddy Patterson – 7: Crisp service and a couple of sniping runs. Managed tempo well before being replaced.
· Tony Butler – 9 (MOTM): Outstanding. Two tries, flawless kicking, and composure in game management. A statement performance.
· Seán O’Brien – 8: Carried strongly and scored a crucial try. His defensive reads were sharp against Argentina’s offloading game.
· Fionn Gibbons – 6.5: Worked hard but struggled to impose himself in attack. A learning experience against physical opposition.
· Diarmuid Kilgallen – 7: Dangerous with ball in hand, though opportunities were limited. Solid under the high ball.
· Shay McCarthy – 6.5: Industrious but quiet overall. Defensively sound, but lacked attacking involvement.
· Mike Haley – 7.5: Calm presence at full-back, safe under pressure, and contributed to counter-attacks.
Replacements
· Max Clein – 6: On debut, held his own in the scrum but little chance to shine.
· Luke Murphy – 6.5: Another debutant, showed energy in defence.
· Mark Donnelly – 6.5: Added fresh legs to the front row.
· Kieran Ryan – 6.5: Solid in the set-piece.
· Fineen Wycherley – 7: Brought physicality off the bench, especially in defence.
· Jake O’Riordan – 6.5: Kept the tempo up late on.
· JJ Hanrahan – 7: Steady influence in closing stages, helped steer Munster home.
· Ben O’Connor – 6.5: Brief cameo, showed pace in broken play.
