1
Andy Farrell on Lions transition and why he's picked Sam Prendergast again
By PA
Andy Farrell expects a “seamless” transition in the Ireland camp during his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions.
Farrell will temporarily depart his head coach role following Saturday’s clash with Joe Schmidt’s Australia in order to lead next year’s Lions’ series against the same nation.
Defence coach Simon Easterby, who has overseen two Emerging Ireland tours of South Africa, is set to take interim charge of the team and will spearhead their Guinness Six Nations title defence and a subsequent summer tour.
“We’ve been working together long enough now to agree on how this team needs to be driven forward with us all involved,” Farrell said of his imminent departure.
“All our ideas over the years, that will continue. Simon is unbelievably diligent and the right man for the role as far as leading from the front.
“We’ve had the experience there and we’ve seen the credentials there and we know it’s going to be a seamless one.”
Asked about the importance of signing off in victorious fashion, Farrell said: “Honestly, to me, I’ve not really give it much thought.
“The only thing that drives me on is planning for the future of this team and that’s only been at the forefront of my mind, certainly over the last six months anyway.
“It just so happens that we’re here on a big game with the last game, but after that what will be will be. We’ll turn that page when we get to it.”
Ireland began November with a deflating 23-13 defeat to New Zealand before returning to winning ways thanks to a nervy 22-19 victory over Argentina and a comprehensive 52-17 demolition of Fiji.
The visit of the Wallabies, coached by former Ireland boss Schmidt, has been arranged to mark 150 years of Irish rugby.
Farrell hopes his side end the month with a bang against opposition beaten by Scotland last weekend following wins over England and Wales.
“Our best performance of the autumn and maybe more, hopefully,” replied the Englishman, when asked what he would like to see from his team.
“That’s what you’re always wishing for, isn’t it? To progress.
“Australia are certainly progressing. I think they’ve got their DNA back.”
Farrell has opted to retain rookie fly-half Sam Prendergast ahead of the returning Jack Crowley.
Crowley, who was rested against Fiji, has been Ireland’s first-choice number 10 since the retirement of Johnny Sexton after last year’s World Cup.
“This isn’t just throwing someone in and hoping to get the best out of it,” Farrell said of 21-year-old Prendergast, who made his debut against Argentina before starting against Fiji.
“I think he’s deserved it a little bit but also there’s obviously an eye on the future.
“I suppose with the two young lads (Prendergast and replacement hooker Gus McCarthy), this game won’t define them.
“It’ll be a good part of their development and that’s what you’re hoping for.”
Amid the anniversary celebrations – which will be marked by a commemorative one-off jersey – and Farrell’s send-off, it promises to be a special occasion for Cian Healy.
The 37-year-old prop, who won the first of his 133 caps in a 20-20 draw against Australia in November 2009, is poised to move ahead of Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s outright most-capped international after equalling the record a fortnight ago.
“What a story, playing his debut 15 years ago against Australia,” Farrell said of Healy, who is among the replacements.
“It’s fitting for both the union and for Cian and his family, so a privileged type situation for us all to be involved.
“We couldn’t make any more fuss if we tried than what we did two weeks ago, but we’ll try our best anyway.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Fissler Confidential: Leicester Tigers set sights on Orlando Bailey
3
Wales given hands off message on rising star Kane James
4
No Barrett or Snyman as Leinster roll out 6'10, 138kg giant against Sh
5
Latest Comments
As an Australian student with a deep passion for studying law in the UK, I have always been committed to pursuing higher education and advancing my career. My dream was to attend one of the prestigious universities in the UK, and like many students, I was searching for scholarships to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. However, what began as an exciting opportunity soon turned into a nightmare.I came across an advertisement on Facebook for a scholarship opportunity, which promised to cover all my tuition fees and living expenses. The offer seemed too good to be true, but as a young student eager to pursue my dreams, I didn’t think twice. The scholarship application process appeared legitimate, and I was soon in contact with someone who claimed to represent a reputable organization. I was asked to pay an upfront fee as part of the application process, which I believed would be reimbursed once I received the scholarship. Excited about the possibility of studying in the UK, I didn't hesitate to pay the required amount AUD 15,000.The money I paid wasn’t just from my own savings; my parents had to borrow the money to help me fulfill my dream. They trusted that I was making the right decision, and they supported me in this endeavor, hoping that it would set me on a path to a successful future. Unfortunately, as the weeks passed, I received no updates, and all communication from the supposed scholarship provider suddenly stopped. When I tried to reach out, the contact information I had was no longer working, and the website I had applied through was taken down. Realizing that I had fallen victim to a scam, I was devastated. The money, which my parents had borrowed with great effort and sacrifice, was gone, and my hopes for studying abroad seemed shattered.Feeling helpless, I turned to various recovery services, hoping that someone could help me get my money back. Most services offered little more than false promises and vague advice, leaving me feeling more frustrated than ever. That’s when I discovered HACK SAVVY TECH. After extensive research and reading positive reviews from other scam victims, I decided to give them a try. HACK SAVVY TECH acted swiftly, gathering all the necessary information, tracking the scammer's digital footprint, and initiating the recovery process. To my relief, after several weeks, they successfully recovered the full amount of AUD 15,000. I couldn’t believe that what seemed like an impossible task had become a reality. Now, I wholeheartedly recommend HACK SAVVY TECH to fellow students and anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation. They provided me with both the expertise and the support I needed, restoring not only my finances but also my faith in the possibility of recovering from such a terrible experience. If you ever find yourself in a situation like mine, I encourage you to trust HACK SAVVY TECH they truly know how to help.
mail: contactus@hacksavvytechnology.com
Website: https://hacksavvytechrecovery.com
Whatsapp : +79998295038
Go to commentsLove the MP approach to the game, they make it seem simple; run at them hard all day, and wait for the holes.
Go to comments