Andy Farrell: ‘Test match places have to be earned’

The Ireland boss has made nine changes to the starting side that accounted for the Springboks six days ago as Fiji come to town.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell faces the press on Thursday. Picture: INPHO/Gary Carr

Andy Farrell has challenged his players to grasp the opportunity afforded to them this week when a much-changed Ireland side takes on Fiji in the second of their November internationals at Lansdowne Road.

The head coach makes nine changes to the starting side that accounted for the Springboks six days ago and five more alterations have been fashioned on the bench. There is opportunity and peril in that.