Andy Farrell: Rugby World Cup battle with South Africa and Scotland gets juices flowing

Andy Farrell: ‘You’re always going to judge yourselves against the best and at this moment in time South Africa are number one. That’s a great challenge for us.‘  Picture: Dan Sheridan

Andy Farrell was wise not to focus on potential quarter-final opponents at France 2023 given that yesterday’s World Cup 2023 pool draw gave Ireland a tough test just to progress to the knockout stages.

Reigning champions South Africa and Six Nations rivals Scotland stand between the Irish and the knockout stages after a draw in Paris attended by French president Emmanuel Macron and conducted by icons of French cultural life, including chef Guy Savoy and shoe designer Christian Louboutin.