A 30-POINT winning margin against a dangerous Argentina team was a pleasing way to start the season, yet Andy Farrell is judging Ireland against the highest of standards.

Ireland’s 42-12 bonus-point victory over the Pumas in Dublin boosts their hopes of playing in the Nations Championship final at the end of this month.

They scored six tries, with Hugo Keenan claiming three of them, but Farrell was left wanting a little more.

“Obviously, the scoreline is a good one because not many teams do that to Argentina,” said Farrell.

“They’re a very good side and a dangerous side. We saw that certainly at times. We fought hard to scramble back, so the 12 points [conceded] is very pleasing. The 42 points, six tries, I thought some outstanding stuff, some really clinical stuff.

“But I think the story of the game is we missed a chance to be ruthless. Having said that, the opportunities that we did have in the right parts of the field showed the dominance as far as field position and territory.

“So, for a hit-out, first-up, international game, a big one at that. For us, playing at home, it’s a good day.”

Farrell expanded on how Ireland have set new standards for themselves this season.

“We’ll learn a lot and double down on a good victory of how we can improve and get better and what our new standards are and all of that,” he said. “It’s a good place to be.

“We started really well in terms of being clinical in their 22, scoring two tries straight away.

“Our territorial dominance continued but converting from that wasn’t as clinical as it could have been.

“We know can be a little more ruthless.”

There are a few injury concerns arising from this win over Argentina.

Dan Sheehan was on the pitch after Ireland's win. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Captain Dan Sheehan was forced off in the first half due to a head injury, while there were various bumps and bruises picked up in the second half.

“We’ve a few bits going on, some checks obviously in the here and now, but more so tomorrow,” said Farrell.

“Rob Baloucoune, there’s a little bit of something going on, not quite sure yet, so waiting to hear confirmation of that.

“Sean Jansen, there’s a bang to his knee. Josh [van der Flier], there’s a bit of something going on with his ankle. Mack [Hansen] and Josh carried on, I think Mack’s ankle as well, so a few bumps and bruises.

“We’ll see tomorrow. Dan came off with a HIA, but seems fine, certainly in the dressing room.”

Despite those concerns, this was a good day for lots of Irish individuals.

The entire starting XV played well, with scrum-half Craig Casey and openside flanker Nick Timoney showing their skills after being handed big chances.

Farrell said he will have a few tough selection decisions to make in the coming weeks, with Fiji visiting Dublin next weekend and South Africa in town the following weekend.

“And that’s exactly what you’re after, isn’t it?” said Farrell.

“Going into next week, match two of the international calendar for us, having some good competition. We’ve had that for the last 10 days within training, so how they performed highlights how they have been training, etc.

“So, yeah, whatever side we pick next week, they’ll be competing to play the following week.”