mens
nations-championship
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is enjoying facing the world champions South Africa as he prepares his side for a “fantastic challenge” in next weekend’s exciting final in Dublin.
A win over the Springboks at the Aviva Stadium will almost certainly be needed to keep Ireland’s hopes of reaching the inauguration alive Nations Championship final at Twickenham.
Ireland overcame a disjointed game in the first half to win Fiji 43-15 on Saturday after opening their three-game fall home stretch with a 42-12 win over Argentina.
“Obviously, we look at every game and learn from it,” said Farrell, who admitted the margin of victory over Fiji flattered his side.
“The quicker we do that and the quicker we turn the page on an incredibly exciting week with the world champions coming to town (the better), it really doesn’t get any better than that.
“To be able to test yourself, especially with the type of rugby they’re playing at the moment, is a fantastic challenge for us.”
With four wins from five, Ireland are in second place with 20 points England in the ranking of the northern hemisphere – one point behind the leader France.
Les Bleus retained top spot thanks to Friday night’s thrilling 21-19 win over four-time world champions South Africa in Paris.
Ireland have won three of their five matches against the Springboks during Farrell’s reign but were overwhelmed in a 24-13 defeat in Dublin last November.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to because we have a lot of respect for South Africa and what they’ve done, not just in the World Cups, but certainly over the last 18 months,” Farrell said.
An ill-disciplined Ireland were shown five cards and dismantled by South Africa’s advanced pack in a chaotic contest 12 months ago.
Hooker Ronan Kelleher, who scored the fourth of his country’s seven tries against Fiji, came off the bench that day.
“Obviously it was a very tough day, especially during the fight and for us in the front row,” Kelleher said.
“It’s something that drives you a little bit. You had to take it on the chin.”
“There was no drastic overhaul (scrum) or anything like that, we just focused on what we could do.
“I think we’ll just have to wait and see next week and pray to God we’ll have enough in the tank and get the job done.”
Winger Tommy O’Brien believes Ireland need a “nine or 10 out of 10” performance to topple the Springboks.
“I think last year in November a couple of guys came to the post-Lions having only played maybe one game, maybe I felt a bit undercooked,” said O’Brien, who scored two tries against Fiji.
“That wasn’t the case this year, and you can see we kind of hit the ground running against Argentina, maybe a little clumsy (on Saturday), but we’ll need a 9 or 10 out of 10 performance next week to get the job done.
“Hopefully we can get on the right side this year and make it a special day at home to the Aviva.”