Andy Farrell refuses 'sour grapes' over specific aspect of Ireland loss
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has refused to complain about the officiating of the scrums during his sideâs heartbreaking 28-24 Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand in Paris.
Renowned scrummager Andrew Porter conceded a raft of penalties at scrum time, even when Ireland seemed to have the physical ascendancy at the setpiece.
When asked about the number of penalties Ireland conceded, Farrell refused to complain about referee Wayne Barnesâ interpretation of the scrum, even if Ireland came out the wrong side of that particular battle.
âWe have a different view of the scrum out there. But we donât want to sit here with sour grapes,â said Farrell.
âThe scrum was part of the equation and Andrew [Porter] was frustrated with what was going go out there. But congratulations to New Zealand.
âI mean if you go out with a whimper itâs pretty hard to take, isnât it. We deserve a little bit more of ourselves than that and we didnât, did we.
âIâm immensely proud of absolutely everyone connected to Irish rugby to be fair. The staff have been immense over the last four years. The players, not just in this squad but the players weâve used in the four year cycle have been a joy to work with. And not just that, the connection with the fans, it seems like itâs all one big family.
âI think the sad thing now for us is that for this group itâs probably the end. Obviously, it is for Johnny (Sexton), and Keith Earls he is going to retire as well.
âOver the next 24 hours itâs time to make sure we get a smile back on our face as soon as we possibly can and celebrate what has been some unbelievable careers and what they have done for Irish rugby.
âIâm unbelievably proud of the group, everyone thatâs been involved over the last couple of years. That was one hell of a game and somebody had to lose â unfortunately it was us tonight.â