Andy Farrell is banking on a febrile atmosphere at Aviva Stadium tomorrow night when Ireland face down the All Blacks for the first time since last year’s devastating World Cup quarterfinal defeat in Paris.
Johnny Sexton’s post-match altercation with Rieko Ioane at Stade de France has certainly added an extra edge to the pre-match build-up and while Farrell was quick to play down any notions of revenge from the home camp, the Ireland head coach is expecting a cauldron-like reception for the visitors under the floodlights.
‘Hopefully. That’s what everyone wants, isn’t it?
Castle Lager Incoming Series Second Test, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, South Africa 13/7/2024 South Africa vs Ireland Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
‘That’s what everyone wants. They (New Zealand) want it as well. That’s what normally happens when the All Blacks come into town anyway.
‘I haven’t seen it any different to that so I think Irish rugby’s in a good place. I think everyone knows New Zealand are always the team to beat so I expect it to be as good as ever, if not better.’
Tadhg Furlong is ruled out with a hamstring injury but 17 players who featured in the matchday 23 against the All Blacks last time out are back on board.
Tadhg Furlong of Ireland and Aine Lacey celebrate after the NatWest Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Ireland’s chances of making a first World Cup semi-final were dashed by New Zealand in a 28-24 loss last year.
But Farrell insisted that his squad have moved on from that defeat and the game is not about revenge ‘No, it’s not. That’s the truth,’ he said.
‘Do you need that when you’re playing against one of the best teams in the world? I mean everyone knows that’s the truth.
‘So, we want to constantly be up there competing with the best so if that’s not motivation within itself… I mean playing against the All Blacks has always brought that edge to any type of game. This is a top level Test match that everybody wants to be involved in.
Coach Scott Robertson of New Zealand looks on ahead of The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand All Blacks and Australia Wallabies at Sky Stadium. Pic: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
‘So, revenge a year ago… there’s been a lot of rugby played. A lot of water that’s gone under the bridge as well. It doesn’t even play a bit in it for us anyway.’
Ronan Kelleher, who has played just 12 minutes for Leinster during an injury-disrupted start to the season, has been passed fit to start at hooker while Finlay Bealham steps up in Tadhg Furlong’s absence.
The Connnacht prop will start his 10th Test match in 43 appearances and Farrell hailed the ever-reliable Bealham to put in another big shift.
‘He’s constantly stepped up, and certainly as far as his main job, the set-piece is concerned, he’s constantly stepped up and he’s always been one that’s been really trusted as well.
‘Tadhg is obviously a world class operator, Finlay has sat in behind that and pushed him hard and now is his chance to show it from the start.’
Farrell has leaned on some experienced campaigners for this opening autumn international, with veterans such as Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray getting the nod for bench duty.
There is no place in the squad for the likes of Ryan Baird and Craig Casey but Farrell defended his selection policy.
‘You can’t pull a rabbit out of a hat and throw people in if they’re not ready,’ he added.
‘Meanwhile, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson admitted that Furlong’s absence provides some ‘opportunities’ for his side.
‘Yeah, of course it does, that’s a leading question,’ Robertson admitted.
‘He’s world class so we see some opportunities in it,’ he said of Ireland’s front row situation.’
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