Ireland got back to winning ways after last week’s defeat to New Zealand, but Andy Farrell’s side were given an almighty scare by Argentina, who threatened to pull off a first ever victory on Irish soil. The Six Nations champions were 22-19 winners in a tense and entertaining contest at Aviva Stadium, but questions will have to be asked of their second-half performance, after they were held scoreless for the final 50 minutes.
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Ireland suffered a first home defeat in 20 games as New Zealand made little of their underdog status to record a 23-13 win in Dublin. The All Blacks played the conditions and the referee better and out-half Damian McKenzie kicked six penalties before Will Jordan continued his immaculate scoring record against Ireland with a 69th-minute try. Jack Crowley’s two-first half penalties had Ireland in touch but following Josh van der Flier’s converted try Andy Farrell’s side did not score again.
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Munster have announced the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree by mutual agreement. The former England prop leaves after three consecutive defeats in the United Rugby Championship. Rowntree was named head coach in 2022 after joining the Irish province three years earlier as forwards coach.
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Former France international front row Rabah Slimani has signed for Leinster. The 34-year-old prop won the last of 57 caps for France in 2019, having made his debut for Les Bleus off the bench against New Zealand in 2013. Slimani has played almost 300 games in the Top 14 with Stade Francais and most recently Clermont Auvergne.
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Leinster were unable to shed their losing habit in Investec Champions Cup finals after they were edged 31-22 by Toulouse with only extra time separating the rivals at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The two most successful teams in the competition’s history went toe to toe in a thunderous collision with the boot of Thomas Ramos proving decisive for the French side.
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