The first test of the post-Brian O'Driscoll era ended in victory for Ireland in Argentina last night.
Joe Schmidt's side ran out 29-17 winners in Resistencia, despite struggling early on against what was an inexperienced Pumas side.
Johnny Sexton kicked two early penalties, while Argentine back row Benjamin Macome was sinbinned for taking out Andrew Trimble in mid-air. Just three minutes after that yellow carded, however, Nicolas Sanchez cut through the Ireland defence before offloading to winger Manuel Montero who crossed the white-wash. Sanchez's conversion gave the Pumas a 10-6 lead.
That try seemed to wake Ireland up, with Chris Henry bundling over the line just four minutes later. Sexton added a second Irish try just three minutes after the restart.
Trimble put the game beyond doubt just before the hour mark, touching down for Ireland's third try of the game. This gave Schmidt the opportunity to hand debuts off the bench to Connacht pair Rodney Ah You and Kieran Marmion.
Ian Madigan added two late penalties, before De la Vega nabbed a consolation try for the Pumas late on.
Ireland head to Tucuman next week for the second test, and firm hopes of a series white wash.
