Andy Farrell rarely cuts a wistful figure, but the Ireland boss caught himself yearning for the fan experience this weekend.
Ireland host France — world No1 versus world No2 — for the clash of the Six Nations at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
The Test-match animal in head coach Farrell would ultimately not allow himself to be dragged away from Ireland’s coaching box, but just for a moment the 47-year-old betrayed his ultra competitive nature by wishing he could attend the match as a punter.
“Everyone is looking forward to this, I’ve been walking around Sandymount and everyone is pumped,” he said.
“You know, I wish I was walking down to the game with my mates, or my family or kids, because this is the type of game that everyone wants to be part of.
“Home advantage has to be a weapon for us, we’ve all got a responsibility for that.”
Ireland climbed to the top of the world rankings by securing, among other triumphs, a maiden Test series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand in a fine 2022. France won all 12 of their Tests in a perfect year in comparison, teeing up this titanic tussle as a mouthwatering match-up.
France head coach Fabien Galthie has sprinkled attacking stardust on Les Bleus, while Shaun Edwards has added real bite, tenacity and discipline as their defence coach.
Old rugby league Wigan team-mates Farrell and Edwards still look like they could do some damage on the field, and yet both are long since transformed into sharp-minded coaches of sage and success.
Ireland dispatched Wales 34-10 in Cardiff last weekend, while France stuttered to life with a 29-24 win in Italy.
“They’re a fantastic team,” said Farrell. “I was actually speaking to Fabien Galthie at the [Six Nations] launch and I congratulated him, because it wasn’t just an unbelievable year for him, was it? They couldn’t have done any better.
“Going unbeaten and playing the way that they played. I think it speaks volumes for where they’re at at this moment in time. I think their coaching staff, the backroom staff, the players alike, have got something really going.
“French rugby in general is buzzing at this moment in time. I think we’ve all seen that. But, what’s very impressive about them is the temperament. They’ve got a plan A, B, C and D as well.
“Even when things have not been going their way, they’ve always found a way to win; certainly over the last 12 months.”
Two teams of such quality and consistency naturally show precious few changes, just one across the two line-ups, in fact, with Rob Herring replacing the injured Dan Sheehan at hooker for Ireland.
France boss Galthie, having named an unchanged starting XV, said: “We trust this group of players, that has been moving forward together for three years. There are no surprises. We have selected what we think is our best team in France for our 32nd match together.”
