Andy Farrell says Ireland’s bruising defeat to the Springboks will serve as a “fast-track” education for several rising Test players as attention shifts to the Six Nations.
Ireland closed out their year with a 24-13 loss to the world champions in Dublin, a contest marked by five Irish cards and long spells played with 14 – and even 12 – men. Yet Farrell insisted the experience will pay off.
“I said to the lads that I think it’s been great for us as far as our journey is concerned,” Farrell said.
“When you look at the likes of Paddy McCarthy, I thought he was really good, and then the experience you’re giving to people stepping up at this level now – Cian Prendergast, Nick Timoney, Tommy O’Brien – they need that. Wow, that’s like fast-tracking international experience.”
WATCH: Every beautiful Bok scrum against Ireland
Despite the chaotic first half, Farrell praised the second-half response, but conceded the Boks’ power told.
“After a game like that, it’s plainly obvious how we need to come back into camp,” he said.
With France awaiting in the Six Nations opener, Farrell says the next nine weeks will define Ireland’s ability to close the gap on the heavyweights above them.
READ: Springboks tighten grip at top of world rankings
“We have a Six Nations which is our bread and butter, which matters the world to us,” he stressed. “It’s about how we go about the next nine weeks individually and collectively while the lads go back to the provinces.”
Farrell added that expanding depth remains a priority: “There’s going to be more experience that has to be given to certain people if they show good form. We’ll be staying across all that.”
Ireland now enter 2026 knowing exactly where the bar sits – and who set it.
Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
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