Cian Tracey: How Andy Farrell rescued Ireland’s Six Nations to lay strong foundations ahead of 2027 World CupNovember’s instalment of their enthralling rivalry with Rassie Erasmus’s South Africa will be a good barometer of their progress over 12 monthsIreland's James Lowe during the Gallagher Cup defeat to New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago in November 2025. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/SportsfileCian Tracey Today at 06:30The last time Andy Farrell had sat in the same seat at the top table of Stade de France’s vast press conference room, he was picking through the rubble of Ireland’s narrow World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand.

Source: Irish Independent March 22, 2026 13:03 UTC