Feel-good factor indicates Farrell has learned lessons

This will be Andy Farrell's fifth consecutive World Cup stretching back to a first involvement as a player with England in 2007 and he has initiated a more relaxed team environment from day one while embracing chaos where Joe Schmidt craved order.

ALWAYS LEARNING: Head Coach Andy Farrell. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

If vibes were a currency then Ireland would be quids-in at this year’s World Cup. 

Players and staff have gushed over the pre-season put together by Andy Farrell and purred, in particular, over the focus on rugby rather than running alone. The contrast with the bankruptcy in confidence and form in 2019 is unavoidable.