'Raising the standard' the theme as focus moves to Fiji

Ireland's November test window is off to a flying start, following a 30–point demolition of an off-colour Argentinian side on Friday night. The win, which moved Ireland top of the northern hemisphere table for at least 24 hours, also provided a much needed spark to their year. Granted, the last home game Ireland played was a convincing win over Scotland in March , helping Ireland to successfully defend the Triple Crown for the second year running.

And yet, for many, the scar tissue of recent home losses to South Africa, France and New Zealand lingered, as did an imperfect summer tour. Now back in the familiar surroundings of Dublin, there was far more comfort on display from Farrell’s charges than the recent test windows, and by his own admission, a changing of standards are part of the reason for the uptick in form.

"The only way to be is making sure that we understand where it is that we want to go to", the Ireland head coach explained after Friday night’s win. "I said the other day that it's always going to be about improving in every area. It's showing during the week what that looks like so we've a good picture of what's acceptable to us and what's not.

"I suppose it's raising the standard to be as good as we possibly can. "I think the good thing about a good win like that is you're able to double down on what you said you were going to do and how you were going to go about it and make sure that we learn the lesson." Robert Baloucoune again impressed in green It was a "good night at the office" for Ireland, with positive outings across the 23 players who got gametime.

That response was necessary following a similar margin, but in defeat, when Ireland had last lined out in Eden Park. That 40-21 loss to the All Blacks rattled the cages of the former world number ones, and Farrell is now reaping the rewards of his hands-on approach, pushing the squad to strive for greater things after one of their more disappointing results as a collective.

When asked about it on Friday, Farrell stated that it all boils down to the group wanting to push themselves back to the summit of the international game. "(In) the top one percent of games, I think we all know what they could be, whether it's New Zealand in Auckland or South Africa or France in Paris or wherever, if you want to put yourself in a position where you board the plane next year, then you've got to deliver when it really matters," he explained.

"Those types of games matter to us because it's very easy to say, 'well, nobody wins there or whatever'. We want to be that side that pushes ourselves to be able to do that." More: Ireland player ratings: Back three shine brightest in Argentina rout Ireland fell behind to an early try from winger Mateo Carreras, but never looked back from there.

Hugo Keenan’s opening try came about after some breathtaking attacking fluidity from the Irish back three, while the Leinster full-back's third was at the end of some crisp handling. It was a score that impressed the head coach, as did Sam Prendergast’s solo-score, and first test try for Ireland "That is something that we've seen from Sam in his earlier days, his running threat was always prevalent in his game," the head coach said of Prendergast.

"You've certainly seen that at the start of this year with him as well. He's got it in his game; he's strong, he's got a good, strong fend, and he's quick. "He's smart because he plays with the ball in front of him in two hands, so people don't know whether he's going to pass or run.

He's certainly a threat at the line." Sam Prendergast got his first try for Ireland Whether Keenan, Prendergast or other first-team starters get a second run out next Saturday remains to be seen, with rotation bound to be at the forefront of the minds of the coaching staff. The athletic Fijians are next up before the schoolyard bully of South Africa to follow, and then a potential Nations Championship final a week later.

Farrell knows that he will have to use his 35-man squad, with the likes of Tom Clarkson, Cian Prendergast, Bundee Aki and uncapped duo Jamie Benson and James McNabney likely to feature next week. The English-born coach outlined the initial strategy for the weeks ahead after the game, with a "tough month" to follow.

"Weighing up the injuries and how that lies as well because four games on the bounce at this stage of the season, you've got to manage that properly, creating competition along the way as well," he said. "We know that international games are unbelievably taxing no matter who you're playing so the balance has got to be right for us over the course of the month."