Andy Farrell’s Ireland on course but hard road still ahead for World Cup

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Two years into his tenure as Ireland’s head coach, Andy Farrell’s mission to deliver success looks healthily on course.

There is little doubt on the evidence of the last eight games, and the performances that helped achieve victory in all of them, that the project to develop a group of players capable of reaching at least a World Cup semi-final is already bearing fruit. This month’s wins over Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina have showcased burgeoning confidence, flourishing individual skillsets, and a willingness to deploy them as and when the time is right.