Ireland have defeated Argentina 23-17 at the Estadio Monumental Jose Fierro to record a series win over the Pumas.

The match got off to a bad start for the hosts, who lost the opening Test match last week, when Jonny Sexton converted an early penalty, while Matias Cortese was shown a yellow card with just nine minutes played.

Sexton successfully kicked over a penalty for the second time in the contest just moments before Andrew Trimble was himself sent to the sin bin for a tackle on Manuel Montero without the ball, to temporarily level the team numbers.

The decision allowed Argentina to regroup, and a Nicolas Sanchez penalty, combined with Joaquin Tuculet's opening try of the match on 25 minutes, fired the South American's into the lead.

For the third time in the opening 40 minutes Sexton was on hand to convert a penalty to ensure the sides went into the interval with just one point between them.

Ireland upped their game in the second half with Simon Zebo crossing over for their first try of the night, before Ian Madigan extended the advantage further with a 73rd-minute try of his own.

There was still time for Lucas Amorosino to cross over in the closing stages after beating two defenders, but it was not enough for Argentina, who fell just short.