Evolution, not revolution, name of game for Andy Farrell

Andy Farrell has plenty of challenges ahead of him as he embarks on his tenure as Ireland head coach but dealing with the criticism that is bound to come his way sooner or later is not one of them.

Ireland’s former defence coach stepped up to his first head coaching gig in Test rugby last month as predecessor Joe Schmidt was taking flak for the national team’s sorry quarter-final performance and heavy defeat to the All Blacks on October 19.