Northampton prop Martin Scelzo delivered the killer blow as battling Ireland were beaten again by their World Cup conquerors Argentina in Buenos Aires tonight. Warren Gatland's men, who trailed 8-5 at half-time, led three times in the second half against the Pumas who were quarter-final winners at Lansdowne Road when the sides last met.
But the Irish wilted late in the game, and tries from Scelzo - who powered over from close range - and right-wing Octavio Bartolucci saw Argentina run out relatively comfortable winners.
Left-wing Justin Bishop and centre Rob Henderson both crossed after the break as the lead see-sawed between the sides, and Ireland led 18-17 when fly-half David Humphreys - having missed three conversions and a penalty - finally landed a penalty.
