Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has brushed off criticism directed at the team following their 18-7 loss to England last weekend.
Former Ireland winger Shane Horgan and former England winger Chris Ashton were two high-profile names that questioned the Irish performance during the week.
Horgan questioned whether it would be better for the IRFU to relieve Farrell of his duties now rather than a year or two down the line, believing the head coach to be incapable of innovation.
๐บ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐๐ป๐ป๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ข
Andy Farrell discusses his selections for #IREvGEO, a first Test start for @BillyBurns10 and opportunities for players this weekend โคต๏ธ#ShoulderToShoulder #GuinnessSeries #AutumnNationsCup pic.twitter.com/HGm62qYhtc
โ Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 26, 2020
Ashton was equally unimpressed with Ireland and directed special criticism towards James Lowe, who he called โtoo big and too slowโ.
However, speaking at the team announcement today Farrell seemed unperturbed by those comments.
“Well, obviously they are more than entitled to their opinion. Again, for us, it is a priceless experience.
โNobody gave us a chance when we went to England anyway and then we come away with an 18-7 loss when we all know what happened within the game.
โWe probably lost our way a little bit at times and that’s what pressure does to you.
“One of the experiences of sticking to the task etc is always a good one going forward because these are the priceless experiences you take from playing in the big games.
โHow do you get experience? Unless you get out there and feel it. Ross [Byrne] and James [Lowe], and many more, will learn priceless learnings from that,โ Farrell said.
Farrell has made nine changes to the team that lost at Twickenham, with Billy Burns named to start at fly-half.
The head coach was excited to see the Ulster number 10 to get a chance for Ireland as well as a number of other players drafted into the starting 15.
โWe’re excited to see Billy in his first start, he gets to run the show for the first time,” said Farrell.
“He has been in with us for a couple of weeks now and obviously been involved off the bench so this is an opportunity to grab a hold of the team and the game.
โThat builds another bit of experience in that position as well. James Ryan captains the side for a second time after a big week for him last week.
โIt’s a great opportunity for him to reflect on that experience and go again.
โFinlay [Bealham] playing at loosehead is something we have been thinking about for a while, and one or two others in that area as well because we need to build some background there, too.
“Finlay has been in fine form for us and he is certainly a guy that is able to get around the field and bring some physicality to his game so we are excited to see how he goes.
โStuart McCloskey has been waiting for some time for his opportunity. We have been telling him for some time that the chance will come and when it does he has to be ready to take that opportunity,โ Farrell said.
Read More About: andy farrell, Autumn Nations Cup, Georgia, Ireland