Ireland can kick on with evolving gameplan, insists 'frustrated' Goodman

Andy Farrell's side are preparing to take on France in Paris on Thursday.

Backs coach Andrew Goodman at Quinta do Lago, Portugal. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

Do not complain to Andrew Goodman that rugby is changing for the worse, Ireland’s attack coach couldn't care less. Rather than whingeing about law changes and an evolution towards more kicking and the inevitable rise of scrums off the back of that, Goodman would rather his players focused on better execution of an Irish gameplan, he believes remains capable of defeating the best teams in the world.

Three months on from a sobering defeat to world champions South Africa during an Autumn Nations Series in which Ireland put on a record score against Australia in a 46-19 victory and hammered Japan 41-10 but managed just a try apiece in defeats against superpowers New Zealand and the Springboks, Goodman’s faith is set to receive another stiff examination with an opening-round Guinness Six Nations trip to defending champions France in Paris next Thursday night.