Farrell looking for another step forward in World Cup preparations

Andy Farrell does not want Monday’s squad announcement to distract from what remains a Test match that needs to be won by the Grand Slam winners.

ANOTHER STEP FORWARD: Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell is looking for his side to take another step up as they ramp up their RWC preparations. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Andy Farrell’s relentless drive for improvement from his Ireland players in the most exacting of conditions has clocked up another week here in southern France and now comes the final examination of their progress before the serious business of the Rugby World Cup.

Tomorrow night’s meeting with Samoa is the last of three pre-tournament tune-ups of this summer series of Test matches. And after what Farrell described as a “clunky” opening win over Italy on August 5, and less than satisfying rust-shaking exercise for many of his first-choice players that nevertheless produced a five-try-to-one, 29-10 victory over Six Nations rivals England last Saturday, the Irish round off their week of intense heat and growing pressure around imminent squad selection by breaking new ground at Stade Jean Dauger.