Farrell backs Ireland combos to defend title
Andy Farrell has kept faith with the Ireland starting XV from the defeat to England hoping they redeem themselves by beating Scotland on Saturday to secure back-to-back Six Nations titles.
Andy Farrell has kept faith with the Ireland starting XV from the defeat to England hoping they redeem themselves by beating Scotland on Saturday to secure back-to-back Six Nations titles.
Stafford McDowall is set to make just his second Scotland appearance after being selected to start in their Six Nations match against leaders Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Tickets for the second match of the July Test series between the Springboks and Ireland at Kings Park sold out in 90 minutes on Monday.
The Springboks’ position as the number one Test team has been strengthened after Ireland’s shock defeat to England, while Italy’s historic win in Rome has lifted the Azzurri to a best-ever position in World Rugby’s rankings.
Following a defeat that ended their hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams, defending champions Ireland have been dragged into a four-horse race in the final lap for the Six Nations title.
Andy Farrell insisted retaining the Six Nations title would be anything but an “anti-climax” after Ireland’s bid for back-to-back Grand Slams ended with a defeat by England.
Ireland have failed to deliver in high-pressure situations like the Springboks, and should expect a tough time against the world champions in July, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The penultimate round of the 2024 Six Nations delivered two dramatic upsets on Saturday as Italy ambushed Scotland and England edged defending champions Ireland.
Marcus Smith’s last-ditch drop goal saw England end Six Nations champions Ireland’s hopes of successive Grand Slams with a dramatic win at Twickenham on Saturday.
Ireland icon Ronan O’Gara has given a scathing indictment on the state of the club game in England, which has had a knock-on effect in the Test arena.