One significant milestone remains elusive despite Ireland’s revival under coach Andy Farrell.
This is where you go to another team’s field, and defy the hostile crowd.
Ireland has not been able to achieve this feat during the Farrell era.
All of their biggest away games since 2019 Rugby World Cup — England 2020 and France 2020, Wales 2021 and France 2022 — ended in defeat.
Ireland will have another chance to win a major result Saturday, when it takes on England at Twickenham in a crucial Six Nations match.
The winner will remain in the title race alongside France’s leader France, while the loser will go home.
According to Eddie Jones, the England coach, the Irish are “red-hot favorites” but, until they beat England on their own turf, there will always be doubts about their ability, no matter how high their self-belief.
Rob Herring, Ireland’s reserve hooker, said that it was crucial for them to win the away win. “We played very well against France (last month), but we didn’t get on the right side. We are going to England to challenge ourselves to play the games we love and not be afraid.
It’s an entirely different experience to do it in a cauldron such as Twickenham. It’ll help the group grow and it will be a great experience for us to perform well.
The group has won 10 of its 11 previous tests. This is why Jonathan Sexton, captain and conductor of Ireland, agreed to extend his contract for 18 more months until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He’ll be retiring after that.
Sexton will play his final Six Nations game at Twickenham. He’s only won twice in the championship.
His influence is crucial for Ireland’s future prospects, even though he is still playing at an elite level. His veteran composure is also important.
Forwards coach Paul O’Connell stated that there is never a lack of passion or intent when these boys play for Ireland. It’s about being calm for the big event.
Farrell’s new, up-tempo gameplan was evident in November when the Irish beat England 32-18 in Dublin.
Although the change has not yet produced the key win on the road Farrell stated that that is the goal.
The coach stated, “Our intention is to go over to Twickenham and show ourselves that we can perform better than what we have shown.”
Jones, however, didn’t think Ireland would be able handle England.
He boasted, “We play with an intensity they haven’t seen before.”
We will chase them down the street. We will be there to chase them down the street and in their faces every time they go. The team doesn’t know how great they are, and Saturday will be a test to see if we can match their abilities.
Farrell brought in Cianhealy, James Ryan and Bundee Aki to help beat 13-man Italy, 57-6. Hugo Keenan was also included. These are a significant upgrade to the team that went to Paris last week.
England kept its changes to an absolute minimum. Hooker Jamie George, No. 8 Sam Simmonds, center Joe Marchant are back.
They have bounced back from their opening loss to Scotland by winning over Italy and Wales. However, England’s attack — except for Marcus Smith, the tyro flyhalf — has been criticised for its lack of initiative.
Jones stated that “We are moving in the right direction”, but it isn’t in a straight line like any other team.”
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Lineups:
England: Freddie Steward, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Henry Slade, Jack Nowell, Marcus Smith, Harry Randall; Sam Simmonds, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes (captain), Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje, Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Ellis Genge. Reserves: Jamie Blamire; Joe Marler; Will Stuart; Joe Launchbury; Alex Dombrandt. Ben Youngs. George Ford. Elliot Daly.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Andrew Conway, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Jonathan Sexton (captain), Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy. Reserves: Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Robbie Henshaw.
