Ireland potential 'huge' after record win - Farrell — and more

Head coach Andy Farrell says the potential in his current Ireland squad is "huge" after Saturday's historic Six Nations win over England at Allianz Stadium.

Ireland scored five tries in a record 42-21 away win against their oldest rivals which reignited their title ambitions and offered an emphatic response to recent criticism.

After November defeats by New Zealand and South Africa, Ireland opened the Six Nations with a humbling 36-14 loss to France, but after beating Italy in Dublin, they tore through England with a statement performance.

"I think the strength of any team should be stronger than any individual's belief of what they think they can get to," said Farrell.

"That's what a proper team is. So therefore, the potential in the squad is huge. I believe that.

"And you guys can say it's ageing, or we're missing people and they're injured and all that type of stuff, but that doesn't matter neither as long as we're pushing forward and doing ourselves proud."

• 'Ireland show they're far from done with record-breaking win'
• 'Special day' - Farrell revels in record Irish win
• The Ireland Rugby Social - Post-match reaction

When it was put to Farrell that he endured some tough days over the past year before the England game, he used the CVs of Ireland legends Brian O'Driscoll, Johnny Sexton and Paul O'Connell as a reminder of why expectations should be managed.

"I was thinking this morning, probably the three most respected players that I know in Irish rugby, probably Johnny Sexton, Drico or Paulie...I think Drico played for 15 years and won two (Six Nations titles). I think Paulie played for 14 years and won three. Johnny played for 13 years in this competition and won four.

"So have a look at all the ones that they've not won. It's because the group is always transitioning and learning.

"And, honestly, that's why genuinely I didn't care whether we won or lost, whether we just grew as a group. Because we know what we're trying to get to as a group.

"And it doesn't always translate, because people have to feel the ups and downs of international rugby to learn and grow from it, so that's the best part of it today."

• Five talking points from round three of Six Nations

Farrell was also pleased with how his more seasoned Test players stepped up after questions over their form as they supplemented headline-stealing displays from Stuart McCloskey and Rob Baloucoune.

"Caelan [Doris] was back to his best, Joe McCarthy was outstanding," observed Farrell, who also praised player of the match Jamison Gibson-Park.

"Josh [van der Flier] was immense in that first half, wasn't he? You know, with his line running and stuff like that.

"They know they've a responsibility. We said before the game, big-game players turn up and make big-team performances happen.

"They set great examples, but for the lads that I just mentioned, for Rob Baloucoune to come here and do that, you know you're on for a good day when he's got a poach, a turnover ball...just his belief to take people on, and for Stu to dominate at this type of level, it was a joy to see."

With McCloskey and Baloucoune establishing themselves in the Test arena, experienced players recapturing their form and the likes of Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan and Andrew Porter still to return from injury, Farrell's squad suddenly seems in good shape 18 months out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

"That's the point. That's the best part of it," he said.

"We know that and we have to take a bit of stick along the way. I suppose a win like this gets people a little bit back on board.

"As long as we know where we're going."

Ireland host winless Wales on 6 March (20:10 GMT) before finishing the campaign against fellow Triple Crown chasers Scotland in Dublin on 14 March (14:10).

Head coach Andy Farrell says the potential in his current Ireland squad is "huge" after Saturday's historic Six Nations win over England at Allianz Stadium.

The top stories and transfer rumours from Monday's newspapers...

wf_cms.rss.read_more