Andy Farrell: France will be the 'test of all tests' for Ireland

Andy Farrell believes that France will be the ‘test of all tests’ for Ireland after his team lay down an ominous marker to their Six Nations rivals with a dominant win over Wales

  • Ireland’s 29-7 win over Wales in the Six Nations opener was a statement of intent
  • Andy Farrell’s side travel to France next weekend in a possible early title decider
  • The Ireland head coach has suggested that Les Bleus will be the ‘test of all tests’
  • Ireland lost 35-27 in Paris in 2020 to concede the Championship to England

Ireland coach Andy Farrell believes next weekend’s clash with France in Paris represents the ‘test of all tests’ for his promising side. 

Farrell’s team laid down an ominous marker to their Six Nations rivals with a dominant 29-7 victory over Wales on the opening day.

Ireland’s imperious display in Dublin whetted the appetite for their trip to the Stade de France — and what already appears to be a possible title decider.

Andy Farrell believes that France will be Ireland’s toughest test in the Six Nations this year

‘There is no doubt about it, it is the test of all tests at this moment in time,’ said Farrell.

‘Everyone knows how well France are playing.’

Saturday’s match comes two years after Ireland stumbled in Paris, losing 35-27 and surrendering the chance to win the 2020 Championship.

They return on the back of nine consecutive victories and Farrell believes this will be the litmus taste of Ireland’s development.

Ireland eased to a dominant 29-7 victory over Wales in Dublin in the opening round of fixtures 

‘The great test for this group is we learned a lot of lessons about ourselves in Paris on that night,’ said Farrell. 

‘It was a big game when we could have got across the line for the Six Nations and we didn’t deliver on the big stage. I feel the group has grown since then. I suppose the proof will be in the pudding.’

They head to France buoyed by their bonus-point victory over Wales. ‘You are always hungry to get off to a good start and we have managed to do that,’ said Farrell. 

‘We will prepare properly for the French test.’ 

Ireland lost 35-27 on their last visit to Paris in 2020, surrendering the title in the process

Despite their display, Ireland’s coach still spotted room for improvement.

‘Sometimes I thought we overplayed. We certainly did for the Welsh first try,’ said Farrell.

James Hume, who made his Six Nations debut, added: ‘It’s obviously a huge challenge away to France and it would be huge to get a win. That would obviously fuel momentum but it is a huge job.’




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