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Heroic, adjective, “having the characteristics of a hero or heroine; admirably brave or determined.”
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Heroic, adjective, “having the characteristics of a hero or heroine; admirably brave or determined.”
The Ireland team of the last few years have been heroic, but their time at the top has come to an end. First slowly, and then all at once.
Now for Andy Farrell, the caretaker to this castle; he must clean up and reshape the royal structure before February. If not, then his own role will come into question very soon.
The blistering heights of the 2023 Grand Slam feel far removed right now, as Ireland were crushed physically by the Springboks, and recorded their worst Autumn campaign since 2013. Four games, two wins. Add in the French carnage from March; and Ireland have fallen over the three steepest hurdles placed in front of them.
If Ireland were a horse, you’d ask about regrading.
Tumultuous Thumping
What worries you most about Saturday’s loss to the brilliant Boks has to be the manner of it. Final Autumn clash, on home soil, biggest ticket event, statement game… but Ireland came up flat. Like a pancake.
Sure they defended gallantly for passages, and withstood a tenacious South African scrum; but that is to be expected. After all, Ireland had beaten South Africa in three of the last four meetings. This was not handed to them, it was earned. Massive forward efforts got rewarded.
This time around, the narrative switched. South Africa could have withdrawn their half backs and back three and still won, because this game was their statement. Sick of Ireland writing the history books, Rassie Erasmus’ men made sure they would leave Lansdowne Road with a victory.
They too were imperfect, it was a two hour long game for a reason, but they were dominant. Physically and emotionally. Rugby is a game played with your muscles, including the brain; but unfortunately for Ireland, there is an element of mental fatigue.
And why wouldn’t there be? The bulk of this squad have been at the peak of their powers for four years, many of whom going down to the wire in European cups, and a generous baker's dozen featured for the Lions.
That results in a squad who, despite indisputable talent, are starting to feel the squeeze. Emotionally and physically. And both South Africa and France made this 1% drop off prove vital.
Farrell’s Role
Andy Farrell will not be, and should not be relieved from his duties after one hapless Autumn. But he is not free from blame either. That middle ground feels like a lonely space in Ireland currently.
Yet, as head coach of one of the truly great teams in modern rugby, he will be the one asked to stem the tide. The victorious Lions boss has an unfamiliar task at hand now. An aging squad that appears to have fallen behind the eight ball is new territory for his reign, even if it is familiar for Irish fans.
Some people may argue that Farrell’s first mistake was taking up the Lions post, but that falls on deaf ears when you take the context of legacy and the counterpoint of Wales’ run under Rob Howley into consideration.
In actuality, Farrell needs to take ownership of the factors he controls. Squad selection, future planning, gameplan and tactics and just the general vibe around the place. There would be more air left in the public balloon if this team were more accessible for instance.
But for now, and in the run up to February, Farrell needs to have serious conversations with himself, fellow coaches and some wily veteran players before the slide down the mountain becomes a crash and fall.
What Next?
That is the million dollar question around these parts. Where do Ireland go from here? Do they rip up script? Can Farrell afford a mediocre Six Nations? Will Scotland finally catch them? When do you blood young talent? Who is waiting in the wings? Is the World Cup dream fading?
With thanks to the much maligned Nations Championship, Ireland already know their slate of games for 2026. 5 Six Nations clashes, 3 in the summer, and 3 in November… currently.
France and England (away) already look like ginormous tasks, meaning Ireland may use the other three games to pick up vital log points, and much needed tournament cash.
Then you’re into the summer where the Wallabies, Japan and New Zealand lie in store. If ever there was a tie to follow the French model it was here. Will Farrell? Probably not.
In fact not only does 2026 loom large for Ireland, fans are queasy. Those of a similar mind to me felt that everything post the 2024 Six Nations has been a gentle regression, and missed opportunity to evolve.
So the prospect of three consecutive “lost years” is enough to make a sloth stay awake through the night.
