Farrell: Regardless of third test, All Black series has been a resounding success

SUCCESSFUL TRIP: Head coach Andy Farrell during an Ireland media conference at Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Whatever happens in this Saturday’s third, final and series-deciding Test between New Zealand and Ireland, Andy Farrell will be able to look back on the 2022 summer tour as a resounding success.

That may not be a view shared by the Irish management in public but even if Farrell’s men suffer a ruthless All Blacks backlash this weekend at Wellington’s Sky Stadium the back-to-back victories in the space of four days have provided a remarkable boost for Irish rugby that a series defeat could only slightly tarnish.