Andy Farrell: Darcy Graham ‘entitled to his opinion’ over Ireland-Scotland clash

Andy Farrell says Scotland wing Darcy Graham is entitled to think Ireland are “there for the taking” ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash in Dublin.

The Scots travel to Aviva Stadium chasing a first Triple Crown in 36 years to remain in contention for a maiden Guinness Six Nations title on the back of a thumping 50-40 round-four victory over France.

Ireland, who have won the last 11 meetings between the sides dating back to 2017, also go into the final-day shootout with aspirations of the Triple Crown and potential championship glory.

Edinburgh player Graham made headlines earlier this week by claiming the hosts are “there for the taking” and have “probably not been firing as well as they have in previous campaigns”.

Ireland head coach Farrell, who selected the 28-year-old for last year’s British and Irish Lions tour, offered a diplomatic response, saying: “He’s entitled to his opinion first and foremost.

Six Nations

P

W

L

D

PF

PA

PD

BP T

BP-7

BP

Total

1

France

4

3

1

0

16

2

Scotland

4

3

1

0

16

3

Ireland

4

3

1

0

14

4

Italy

4

2

2

0

9

5

England

4

1

3

0

6

6

Wales

4

0

4

0

1

“He’s a great lad, Darcy, actually. Obviously, I got to know him in the Lions, so it’s how he feels and obviously how the squad feels, and rightly so, in my opinion.

“They were outstanding last week against France and we’ve been preparing for another Scottish performance like that.

“We know that we’ll have to be at our best to beat them as they’re a side that we’ve always respected.”

Ireland must extend their nine-year dominance over Scotland to remain in the title hunt before table-topping France host England in the final match of ‘Super Saturday’.

The Irish have claimed eight Triple Crowns during the Six Nations era, including three in the past four years, but endured an 18-year drought between 1985 and 2004.

“Of course, you would love to dream like that (of championship glory),” said Farrell, who guided Ireland to back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.

“Obviously, the rest of it is out of our hands, but there’s something that’s in our hands.

“We concentrate on our performance first and foremost of trying to win something that’s pretty special to us, that’s the Triple Crown.

“Over the years, it’s been hard to come by when you’re playing for Ireland, so we’re desperate to make sure that we get across that.”

Farrell has made four changes to his starting XV following last week’s 27-17 win over Wales after lock James Ryan was ruled out with a calf injury.

Joe McCarthy takes Ryan’s place in the second row, with 24-year-old Connacht lock Darragh Murray poised to make his Six Nations debut from the bench.

Hooker Dan Sheehan, flanker Josh van der Flier and wing Tommy O’Brien have also been recalled.

Asked about Ryan’s absence, Farrell said: “It wasn’t late in the week for us. He had a bang during the (Wales) game.

“We thought it was just a contusion to his calf and we thought that was going to be fine.

“It’s disappointing for James and disappointing for us because he’s been in unbelievable form in this Six Nations.

“Any type of team would miss a player like James Ryan. But as far as our preparation is concerned, it’s not been too disruptive because everyone (else) has trained fully all week.”