Andy Farrell’s mood is always an accurate barometer, as was evident in the head coach’s frustrated mood after a decidedly uneven 41-10 win over Japan. “It was almost like a Charity Shield game,” added Farrell in likening the game to a seasonal warm-up, “and that’s that shouldn’t be the case. Anytime you play for Ireland, it should be a Test match where you go out there with proper intention from the start and play your game. During the 2025 Quilter Nations Series game between Ireland and Japan in Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Photograph: Tom O’Hanlon/ Inpho“We know that’s what we’re after,” said Farrell, before quickly refocusing on the negatives.
