Staff Reporter, 27 Jan
Andy Farrell believes the pressure of being Guinness Six Nations title
favourites can aid Ireland’s ultimate quest for World Cup glory.
The Irish go into the championship top of the world rankings on the
back of an outstanding year which brought nine wins from 11 Tests,
including a historic series success in New Zealand.
While Ireland had to settle for the consolation of a Triple Crown
behind Grand Slam champions France last year, bookmakers view them as
the pre-tournament frontrunners this time around.
The boys are back! #TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations
pic.twitter.com/j4NDNB3L44
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 24, 2023
Head coach Farrell is eager for his players to block out the outside
noise but, with the start of the World Cup just over seven months away,
acknowledges the burden of expectation may have long-term benefits.
“Internally, the main thing for us is being honest of where we’re at
and what we need to get better at,” said the Englishman, whose team
toppled the All Blacks, Australia and world champions South Africa in
2022.
“It was very evident to us in how our performances have gone over the
last year of where we need to improve, so hopefully that looks after
itself.
“Pressure is more internal than anything. If pressure from the outside
begins to seep in then it’s good for us to be able to deal with that.
New Year = New #GuinnessSixNations! #Welcome2023 #HappyNewYear
pic.twitter.com/lQPBRALtj3
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 1, 2023
“We want to get better for what’s down the track for obvious reasons
and dealing with a different type of pressure is going to be priceless
for us going forward.”
Ireland begin their campaign on February 4 against Wales in Cardiff
before a mouthwatering Dublin showdown with Les Bleus a week later.
Farrell’s men then travel to Italy and Scotland in rounds three and
four respectively ahead of a tantalising tournament finale at home to
Steve Borthwick’s new-look England on March 18.
Veteran captain Johnny Sexton is determined to make the most of a
potential Six Nations swansong.
Head Coach x Captain #TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations
pic.twitter.com/xjxEGddJ5g
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 23, 2023
The 37-year-old wants Ireland to lay down a marker ahead of the autumn
World Cup in France but insists the squad’s full focus is on immediate
challenges.
“The older you get, the more selfish you get, you want to make the most
of every opportunity,” said the Leinster fly-half, whose retirement
plans remain up in the air.
“It’s such a special tournament, so hard to win. When you talk about
how many titles Ireland have over the last 20, 30 years, it’s not too
many. It’s a special thing to achieve something in the tournament.
“We’re not talking about the World Cup at all, the only thing we’re
talking about is Wales and how we can get ourselves in the best shape
possible.
“(But) I think it’s important to keep momentum going to prove we can go
and do something in the World Cup.”