Rugby Union – Ireland potential ‘huge’ after record win

Ireland produced their best performance in years to hammer England 42-21, with coach Andy Farrell saying the potential in his current squad is “huge”. After scoring five tries in a record 42-21 away victory, Ireland reignited their title ambitions and delivered a strong response to recent criticism.

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This performance came after November defeats to New Zealand and South Africa, and an opening Six Nations loss to France. A win against Italy in Dublin had already suggested improvement, but Saturday’s display was a statement.

Farrell – “A Team Effort”

Farrell kept his focus on the collective, making clear that no single player’s form, fitness, or frustration would overshadow where the squad was heading. He pointed to Brian O’Driscoll, Johnny Sexton, and Paul O’Connell not to romanticise the past, but to make the point that real progress takes time and requires everyone pulling in the same direction.

There was plenty to work with individually, too. Stuart McCloskey and Rob Baloucoune both had the kind of games that are hard to ignore, while Caelan Doris, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier did what the better players tend to do in a team performance – contribute without hogging the spotlight.

With key players still returning from injury, including Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan and Andrew Porter, Farrell’s squad appears well-positioned 18 months out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The team now faces winless Wales on 6 March and Scotland in Dublin on 14 March, aiming to stay strong in the Triple Crown chase.