Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Andy Farrell assesses 'dogfight' in Johnny Sexton absence

By PA
Andy Farrell/ PA

Andy Farrell admits Ireland have “a lot to do” ahead of next year’s World Cup after ending a stellar 2022 with an unconvincing 13-10 win from a disjointed “dogfight” against Australia.

ADVERTISEMENT

Replacement fly-half Ross Byrne marked his late elevation to the bench by landing a tricky 77th-minute penalty to earn the below-par Irish a record-equalling 12th successive home victory.

Farrell’s men struggled for large parts of a gruelling Dublin evening and could easily have ended their autumn campaign with a serious reality check at the hands of opposition beaten by Italy just last weekend.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

The hosts lost captain Johnny Sexton to a calf injury before kick-off, resulting in 22-year-old deputy Jack Crowley being thrust into the number 10 jersey on his first Test start and eventual matchwinner Byrne being added to the matchday squad.

Victory for the world’s top-ranked side saw them become the first nation to defeat New Zealand, South Africa and the Wallabies in a calendar year since England in 2002.

“It was never in doubt,” joked head coach Farrell.

“We can pull it apart and we will do and we will learn from all sorts of aspects of the game. But the bigger picture stuff for me is there’s two things that went on there.

“Australia made it an absolute dogfight and fair play to them, they were courageous in how they went about their game. It was abrasive to say the least, certainly at the breakdown.

ADVERTISEMENT

“But for us to back up a few ill-disciplined bits and a few errors technically, tactically and still find a way is a hallmark of a good side.

“That’s what all good sides do, you always find a way in the heat of the battle and we’re delighted in that regard.”

Asked where Ireland stand going into 2023, Farrell replied: “With a lot to do, which is great, and that’s the reality.

“We’ve certain aspects of our game, as always, that we’d love to get better at.”

Influential skipper Sexton pulled out injured following some pre-game kicking practice.

ADVERTISEMENT

Crowley, who wore the number 10 shirt embroidered with Sexton’s name, landed a penalty to give Ireland a 3-0 half-time lead before converting Bundee Aki’s 66th-minute try.

Byrne then marked his first international appearance since the 2021 Six Nations by slotting the decisive three points after Jordan Petaia’s converted score brought the Wallabies level.

“It’s awesome for him,” Farrell said of Byrne. “I was absolutely delighted for him.

“You know Ross’ temperament, it’s made for him that type of situation where it’s deadlocked.

“It was a tough enough kick when the penalty came but there was no doubt in Ross’ mind that he was ever going to do anything but go for the three points, so fair play to him.

“He’s waited for that chance and he delivered it and got us over the line.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

S
SK 1 hour ago
Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

The way they are defending is sometime pathetic to be honest. Itoje is usually on the inside of the rush and he is paired with a slower tight forward. Unable to keep up with the rush we have seen the line become disconnected on the inside where the big boys are. How many times have we seen Earl rush past the first receiver almost into no mans land covering no attacker. It looks like a system without any guidance. Tome Wright, Ikitau and a number of Wallabies went back to this soft centre as did Williams, Jordan and several others. Also when the line is broken the multiple lines of defence seems to be missing. The rush is predicated on a cover and recovery system with multiple lines of defence but with England you dont see it any more. Fitness and conditioning seems to be off as well as players are struggling to keep up with the intensity of the rush. Felix Jones has left a huge hole. The whole situation was and is a mess. Why they insist on not letting him go and having him work remotely is beyond me. Its leading to massive negative press and is a hot button issue thats distracting from the squad. Also the communication around Jones and his role has been absolute rubbish and is totally disjointed. While some say he is working remotely and playing a role others are saying theres been no contact. His role has not been defined and so people keep asking and keep getting different answers. England need a clean break from him and need to start over. Whatever reason for his leaving its time to cut the rope before the saga drags the whole Borthwick regime down. As for Joe El Abd well good luck to him. He is being made to look like an amateur by the whole saga and he is being asked to coach a system thats not his and which has been perfected and honed since 2017 by Nienaber, Jones, Erasmus and Co and which was first started by White in 2004. He is literally trying to figure out a system pioneered by double world cup winning coaches at the highest level and coach it at the same time. Talk about being on a hiding to nothing.

28 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING World Cup-winning halfback on Cam Roigard’s substitution in France loss World Cup-winning halfback on Cam Roigard’s substitution vs. France
Search