Andy Farrell's men clung on for a narrow three-point win after a lacklustre second-half.
Ireland managed to put last week's wobble against the All Blacks behind them with, in the main, a startling first-half display brimming with energy and intent and a pragmatic second-half that held the Pumas in check.
New skipper Caelan Doris had, thankfully, taken last week personally. Here was the player Farrell wanted, the Leinster fans knew from week-to-week, powerful in the carry, leading in defence, excellent at the lineout. Joe McCarthy, another who was anonymous last week, was back to being a stroppy, messy unit - and was awarded Man of the Match.
Mateus Moroni, who thought he had scored the game's opening points, was yellow carded by Kiwi ref Paul Williams. There was almost more as Tadhg Beirne got over the line in the 16th minute but had the ball knocked out of hand as attempted to ground it. Ireland put a third kickable penalty into the corner and won the lineout. But having formed a 10-man rolling maul they were nonetheless stopped in their tracks before managing to clear the danger - imagine, an attack without a score!
There are seven seconds to half-time, the Pumas opt to tap the penalty but are repeatedly foiled by some brilliant tackling before the ball is stripped and Ireland went to the break 13 points up.
Andy Farrell Aviva Stadium Dublin Autumn International Series
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