Ireland coach Andy Farrell has warned his team there can be “zero excuses” for any dip in standards.
This as they prepare for a crucial run of November Tests culminating in a blockbuster clash against the Springboks in Dublin.
Farrell’s men stumbled to a 26-13 loss to New Zealand in Chicago – a match they led 13-7 with 20 minutes to play despite Tadhg Beirne’s early red card.
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But with the world champion Springboks looming in just under three weeks, Farrell made it clear that the time for rust and reflection is over.
“There’s zero excuses from here on,” he said after Ireland’s third straight defeat to the All Blacks. “I get all you guys talking – it’s just common sense, isn’t it – what you’re talking about as far as match sharpness and the start of the season and all of that, but that’s been and gone now. We need to buckle down.”
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The former England international says Ireland’s response to adversity would reveal their true mettle before the Boks come visit.
“If we can’t stand up to that challenge, then we shouldn’t be here anyway,” said Farrell. “You can talk about any type of journey – there’s always going to be ups and downs. It’s how you learn from the disappointments properly that will catch you and kick you on.”
Ireland’s November schedule includes Tests against Japan, Australia, and finally the Springboks – a clash that carries major significance in the world rankings.
“We know how important the autumn is to us, particularly this next game now,” Farrell added. “It becomes really important if you look at the significance of world ranking points and all that. It’s about being honest with each other and making sure that we learn from that.”
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Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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