Record Rout! Farrell Says Ireland’s Potential Is ‘Huge’
Ireland reignite Six Nations title hopes with a 42-21 win over England at Allianz Stadium. Andy Farrell hails squad’s huge potential.
Head coach Andy Farrell says his current Ireland squad has "a lot" of potential after Saturday's historic Six Nations victory over England at Allianz Stadium.
Ireland scored five tries in a record-breaking 42-21 win against their oldest rivals, reviving their title hopes and responding strongly to recent criticism.
After losing to New Zealand and South Africa in November, Ireland began the Six Nations with a 36-14 defeat to France, but after beating Italy in Dublin, they defeated England with a superb performance.
"I think the strength of any team should be stronger than any individual's belief in what they can achieve," Farrell said. "That's what a perfect team is. So, the team has a lot of potential, I think."
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"And you guys can say it's because of age, or we don't have guys and they're injured and all that kind of stuff, but it doesn't matter as long as we're moving forward and doing ourselves proud."
When Farrell was asked about some of his tough days before the England game last year, he used the CVs of Ireland legends Brian O'Driscoll, Johnny Sexton, and Paul O'Connell to remind him why expectations must be managed.
"I was thinking this morning, probably the three most respected players I know in Irish rugby, probably Johnny Sexton, Drico, or Paulie... I think Drico played for 15 years and won two (Six Nations titles). I think Paulie played for 14 years and won three. Johnny played for 13 years in this competition and won four."
"So take a look at all the games they haven't won. That's because the group is always changing and learning.
"And, to be honest, that's why I didn't really care whether we won or lost, whether we progressed as a group or not. Because we know what we're trying to achieve as a group.
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"And that doesn't always work, because people have to experience the ups and downs of international rugby to learn from them and grow, so today was the best part."
Farrell was also pleased with how his more experienced Test players performed after questions about their form, as he backed the headline-grabbing performances of Stuart McCloskey and Rob Balukon.
Farrell said, "Kelan [Doris] was back to his best form, Joe McCarthy was fantastic." He also praised Player of the Match Jamieson Gibson-Park.
"Josh [van der Flier] was very good in the first half, wasn't he? You know, with his line running and things like that.
"They know their responsibility. We said before the game, big-game players come in and perform well for a big team.
"They set a very good example, but the guys I just mentioned, Rob Balukon came in and did it, you know, when they have a poacher, a turnover of the ball... His confidence in beating people, and Stu dominating at such a level, it was a joy to watch."
With McCloskey and Balukon establishing themselves in Test cricket, experienced players returning to form, and players like Mac Hansen, Hugo Keenan, and Andrew Porter returning from injury, Farrell's team suddenly looks in good shape 18 months before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
"That's it. That's the best part about it," he said. "We know that, and we've faced a bit of criticism along the way. I think wins like this bring people back into the game a bit.
"As long as we know where we're going."
Ireland will host winless Wales on March 6 (20:10 GMT), and then finish their campaign against fellow Triple Crown chasers Scotland in Dublin on March 14 (14:10).
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