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Andy Farrell admits Ireland plan to starve Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg of quick ball
Andy Farrell says Ireland must stifle Scotland’s speed of play to prevent Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg starring with their “dinner suits on”.
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Farrell’s men travel to Murrayfield on Sunday seeking their first meaningful success of this year’s Guinness Six Nations.
Fly-half Russell and captain Hogg have been instrumental in the Scots’ recent resurgence and were standout performers during last month’s shock Twickenham success over defending champions England.
Ireland head coach Farrell believes denying the hosts quick ball will be key to containing the influential duo.
“Like any game with top-class backs that are quite quick and dynamic in how they want to play the game, control the unpredictability, you’ve got to control the game up front, there’s no doubt about that,” said Farrell.
“Those two players will either play with their dinner suits on or not because of the speed of ball that they will require to be able to play into space.
“And it’s up to us to make sure that we slow that ball down for them so we can put some pressure on them ourselves.”
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Ireland continue their salvage operation in Edinburgh after hopes of the title were swiftly extinguished by successive defeats to Wales and France, prior to a routine victory over Italy a fortnight ago.
Having upset England, Gregor Townsend’s Scotland maintain an outside chance of glory but are playing catch-up after a single-point loss to pace-setters Wales was followed by the frustration of the postponement of their clash with France, meaning they have not played for a month.
Finn Russell discusses his hopes to be involved in the upcoming tour ? Simon Zebo knows who he wants at 10 this Summer! ?@ChristinaMahonx @SimonZebo @ryanwilson89 pic.twitter.com/jafEF4RCC0
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 12, 2021
The Irish have dominated the fixture in recent years, winning nine of the past 10 meetings between the countries, including twice in 2020 and at the 2019 World Cup.
Farrell feels the mindset of his squad will be crucial to maintaining the stranglehold.
“We need to make sure we turn up with the right attitude and if you don’t, you get burnt, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
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“When you turn up against a very good side, with how Scotland are playing at this moment in time, with anything but the right attitude then there’s no doubt you are going to come away with a loss.
“From what I have seen so far this week – and hopefully we keep building that – we will be brimming come kick-off time.”
Farrell has made three changes to his starting XV, recalling front-row duo Cian Healy and Rob Herring and wing Keith Earls in place of benched trio Dave Kilcoyne, Ronan Kelleher and Jordan Larmour.
Meanwhile, South Africa-born CJ Stander will bring up 50 Test appearances for his adopted country.
Farrell hailed the Munster back-rower’s selflessness and bravery, while backing him to mark the milestone occasion with a vintage performance.
“It’s a difficult one to put into words because I couldn’t say enough about the bloke. He is the most genuine bloke you would ever meet,” Farrell said of 30-year-old Stander.
"Give me the ball and I'll sprint"
The first words @duhanvdmerwe said to @finn_russell ?He reveals he wasn't always the big wingers biggest fan! @ryanwilson89 @SimonZebo @ChristinaMahonx #SixNations2021 pic.twitter.com/9dBKGxHZX5
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 11, 2021
“He’s as honest as the day is long and, I suppose, that’s what shows in his performance.
“How he acts on a daily basis and genuinely cares for people is exactly how he plays for the team; he’s a team-first man.
“He takes the hard yards and puts himself into difficult situations where others may shy away from from time to time.
“If anything needs doing as as far as tough yards (are concerned), he’s the one to put his hand up and I am thoroughly delighted for CJ to get his 50th cap this weekend.
“I have no doubt he will have a great game on the back of that.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Thanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
9 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
3 Go to commentsGood article/interview.As was said Christian Lio-Willie was barnstorming when he came on for the Crusaders. What happened at the end, self-explanatory.Captain fantastic Scott Barrett is due back soon as well, once they are back from Aussie. Great to see Ethan Blackadder back last week.
1 Go to commentsYou must have been watching one team, Andrew - and even then you missed the brightest star in the Chiefs pack - Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 2 turnovers, genuine line-out presence and grunt around the field, and the soft hands of a back.
3 Go to commentsHaha what a crock of sh!t these headlines are. Moorby’s best year was that first. Still doesn’t seem to have the same game about him as when he was fresh but has bounced back well this season to be playing consistent tight accurate footy
1 Go to commentsIt’s even dumber than Bernard Foley not kicking the penalty to touch in the Melbourne Bledisloe in 2022.
2 Go to commentsYes, they are traveling well but it’s early days. The Chiefs were in front with 20 to go while they snatched a last minute win v the Reds. Keep calm.
1 Go to commentsThe failure of the Irish system / rugby playing style to produce their own backs has them looking elsewhere for innovation and flair - not that Jordie has much flair. He’s a converted fullback. The Canes have plenty of other younger options.
9 Go to comments1.Watch Wallace Sititi be the wild card AB. A genuine full time no 8 2. Luke J like Sotutu has not delivered. 3. Chiefs have all the right cattle but badly miss the leadership of Webber. LJ is about as unconvincing as Sam Cane when under the pump. They had the winning of that game in the second half then fell apart.
3 Go to commentsYes the Rebels are showing signs of life because they are literally playing for their live -lihoods and thanks to their Australian attack coach. However they are still playing an essentially dull boring south african style for the rest of the time. And Geoff Parling must be the most useless lineout coach ever. Worse than Steve Hansen even. Interestingly we are starting to see more cheap shots and attempts to get away with cheating by Australian players, now they are being influenced by Joe Schmidt. It was exactly the same when Rennie started out as Wallaby coach and thru his tenure. Trying to teach Australians to play like kiwis doesn’t work, as the last 20 years has conclusively demonstrated. Especially when we are not as good at it as kiwis. Which of course is the whole idea …..
9 Go to commentsGreat signing, not sure where he’ll fit in though. As for him ‘playing alongside RG Snyman, that’s highly debatable given the likelyhood that the latter will spend most of the season on sick leave.
9 Go to commentsWowee!
9 Go to commentsEvery team that has played a game in Africa this Champions Cup season is already out of the competition - including the SA teams. Could be a concidence.
30 Go to commentsthat should offer some experiences for Jordie.
9 Go to commentsJust remember: He is not a winger. Took Ian Foster 2 years to figure that out.
9 Go to commentsExcellent article, Nick. We (your RP colleague Brett McKay and my 8/9 Combo cohost), are going to have LSL on our podcast later this month. He has shown consistent excellence as a leader and lock. I’ll chat with you offline about a line of questioning if you have time. H
9 Go to commentsSo no Irish fan or journalist suggested JGP was as good as DuPont. Then even the guy who supposedly did is from Wales and said JGP would be the best around if it was t for DuPont. Right, so what is this story about again
17 Go to commentsGreat news for the URC. Leinster will always attract top talent. Another huge name added to their stable
9 Go to commentsWhen you look at Australian Rugby you can see the talent coming through. There’s young players everywhere. They have the makings of a strong Wallaby team for years to come if they trust their young players. There might be some short term pain but after 30 or 40 caps together a Wallaby group comprised of the current youngsters will really be top class. It seems like the threat of going under has focused the Rebels both on and off the field. They are having a go like a team with nothing to lose and winning back the fans whilst silencing their detractors. Its funny how an existential threat can spur a team on to new highs. Taking rugby back to the communities will help to build support and create a true team for the community and one rooted into it. It may just work and save the Rebels and if they can get the financing then maybe let them have a go at reinvention. I do feel though that Australian Rugby has one too many franchises. If the Rebels die all these solid young players get infused into other franchises who will have more money, depth and resources. It would make the Australian Rugby franchises so much stronger and they may come to achieve parity with the best franchises from NZ. Super Rugby is throwing up some really entertaining games. Not too much good defence but certainly high pace, try scoring magic on display. Melbourne are no exception to this.
9 Go to commentsMost articles (none Irish) said JGP might be second best globally (after Dupont). Anyway, he is playing great. Different player but maybe he is equal to Dupont in how he is reading games now. He is also running a lot of Dupont support lines and scoring a lot of tries. Dupont is best scrum half but JGP in next pack.
17 Go to comments