Autumn Nations Series: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell relishes the Springbok challenge
Head coach Andy Farrell believes “it doesn’t really get any bigger” for Ireland ahead of their mouth-watering clash against the Springboks on Saturday.
Ireland, the world’s best-ranked team, head into the clash against the world champions after winning 14 of their last 16 games, which underlines their status as the premier side in rugby union.
Nothing bigger
Meanwhile, Ireland ‘A’ face the All Blacks XV on Friday night, and Farrell hopes a good performance in that clash can build momentum for the first-string side.
“Honestly it doesn’t really get any bigger,” said Farrell. “I have said this to the players.
“This is called living properly, there’s no better time to be an Irish rugby player.
“Meeting a New Zealand XV on Friday night and performing for the group and then backing it up the next day with the other lads, it doesn’t really get any better.
“When the Springboks are in town, everyone gets super excited.
“We know what’s coming, everyone else knows what’s coming, which is why everyone is super excited. There is no doubt there is going to be an extra edge on Saturday night.”
Ireland have not played the Springboks since 2017, when Farrell’s men completely dismantled their opponents with a 38-3 win. However, much has changed since then, including the arrival of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, who powered the side to a World Cup triumph.
Ideal preparation
Farrell believes the match-up is the perfect preparation for both sides going forward with next year’s showpiece event on the horizon.
“The lessons learned are going to be vast for both sides, win or lose,” he said.
“I suppose the team that loses will learn a little bit more and know which direction they want to go, not just game plan-wise but player-wise. That’s why I think this is priceless for both teams as a match-up.
“It’s exciting for what’s down the line but in the here and now it is good as well.”