'Disappointed' Andy Farrell says loss won't affect New Zealand preparations

DISAPPOINTED BUT PROUD: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell during the match between the Maori All Blacks and Ireland at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Andy Farrell insisted Ireland’s preparations for this Saturday’s opening test against New Zealand would not affected by his second string’s disappointing 32-17 loss to the Maori All Blacks on Wednesday.

The head coach saw an Ireland XV outclassed in a torrid opening half at FMG Stadium Waikato as the Maori All Blacks ran in four tries on the back of poor discipline and an incohesive defence.