Farrell’s Ireland can still produce the goods

We’ve had some key figures from the big island next door play a central role in some of our sporting highlights over the years, chief among them being one-time Ballina resident Jack Charlton. While Andy Farrell can’t quite lay claim to the achievements big Jack managed, he is forging his own path as one of the best coaches one of our national teams has ever had.

Saturday’s win over England will surely go into the scrapbook as one of the brightest feathers in his cap. To come from where Ireland have come from in recent weeks to delivering the biggest ever away win for an Irish side at Twickenham is a remarkable turnaround in a short space of time. More than anything, though, it gives the outlook for this current Irish team a completely different perspective. Suddenly, optimism will dominate looking ahead to some important dates in the calendar – not least the World Cup in Australia next year where, whisper it quietly, the draw has been kind to Ireland.

Was Saturday’s win over England the last sting of a dying wasp or was it the revival in fortunes of a side capable of retaining its place in the upper echelons of the game? More the latter than the former, I would suggest.

While England were poor, they are not a poor team. This is a side that went on a 12-match unbeaten run ahead of this season’s Six Nations and appeared to be on an upward trajectory. Indeed, such was the confidence surrounding Steve Borthwick’s work in cultivating such a strong squad, the general assumption was that come the final round of fixtures, England’s trip to France would be a Grand Slam decider.

Successive losses to Scotland and Ireland have left their Six Nations campaign in tatters, but Sunday’s defeat on home soil will raise even more questions around this England outfit.

For Ireland, it’s a rebirth of sorts. The blistering start for the visitors, which left them 22-nil up inside the opening half an hour, was the stuff of dreams and more or less put the game to bed before half-time. This was an Irish side playing with the confidence and swagger of the team that was on the park in the lead in to the 2023 World Cup. To go to a venue such as Twickenham and produce that kind of performance, despite all the criticism being thrown at the team for their first two displays, means Andy Farrell and his coaching staff did a brilliant job in preparing the players for their trip to London. For that, Farrell deserves an enormous amount of credit.

Selection has been a major talking point over the last few weeks, but a couple of players really stepped up to the mark on Saturday.

There’s no doubting the enduring class of Jamison Gibson Park at scrum half, but he did ship a hefty amount of criticism for his efforts against France in the opening round where some of the decision-making to kick the ball so often was puzzling. He didn’t start against the Italians, with Craig Casey thrown in from the off, but here Gibson-Park was back to his brilliant best, running the game with purpose and mixing it up nicely, while he also contributed on the scoreboard with a try of his own.

Jack Crowley got the nod at out-half and acquitted himself well; this display and result should solidify his grip on the number ten shirt for the remainder of the Six Nations.

When you consider the current fortunes of the Irish provinces at club level, Ulster are without doubt the team in form. Here, their players excelled with Stuart McCloskey continuing his magnificent form with another fine display in the centre, while Robert Baloucoune is making his mark with real purpose on the wing. Nick Timoney also went along nicely after coming off the bench.

Ireland won’t win a Grand Slam and they probably won’t win the Six Nations title either, though the Triple Crown is now a very achievable target with games to come against Wales and Scotland. Aside from silverware though, Saturday’s display with help dampen any fears that this Irish team – and coaching ticket – were running out of steam.

One result doesn’t mean all is rosy, and Ireland still have some issues that need sorting, but the manner of the display on Saturday points to a team still capable of big displays when required.

Andy Farrell has, by any stretch, been successful during his time with Ireland as both as an assistant and head coach. Just look at the numbers: Farrell has guided Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including one Grand Slam, and a historic series win in New Zealand. They’ve also risen to the position of number one in the world rankings in that time, even if the worth of that is questionable. But it’s still a milestone that is the product of a string of positive results.

Given his exploits on Lions duty last year, and the morale-sapping nature of Ireland’s quarter-final exit at the World Cup in 2023, you could reasonably have argued that Farrell’s tenure as Irish head coach was petering out, especially after the concerning display in Paris which was followed by a workmanlike performance against Italy. Now, however, it’s possible to view things in a much brighter light and, with the World Cup fast approaching on the horizon in 18 months and the draw mapping out (potentially) a negotiable path to the semi-final, that optimism will only continue to grow.

For the work he has done in reviving Ireland’s fortunes, Farrell deserves enormous credit.

One of the most notable things about Farrell’s stint as head coach has been his efforts to make the squad environment an enjoyable place to be. On numerous occasions, players have spoken about how they bounce into camp for international windows because they know it’s a place they want to be and will be able to work in an environment conducive to enjoying their rugby. Clearly, that environment was a major help in turning the ship around in the aftermath of the defeat to France.

One big win won’t make the year but, if they can maintain the standards they set on Saturday in the weeks ahead, Ireland and Farrell still have a way to run on their journey together. That’s something all rugby fans should be excited about.