The Replacements - Bench impact key for Ireland in Grand Slam success
It wasn't long ago that there were real concerns around the level of depth in the Irish squad.
Andy Farrell Sport News
Andy Farrell: Grand Slam title just 'part of the journey'
Andy Farrell believes there is more to come from his side, after they completed a dominant Six Nations Grand Slam title on Saturday.
History beckons for Ireland at Rugby World Cup after grand slam glory
T he list of teams who have won a Six Nations grand slam and followed it up by hoisting the World Cup in the same calendar year can be counted, for now, on a solitary English finger. Even as Ireland’s players, coaches and supporters celebrated a famous achievement on Saturday night, though, they were already raising their eyes to the horizon and asking if something brighter might yet materialise.
Grand Slam a fitting Six Nations finale for Ireland's 'greatest' Sexton, says Farrell
Head coach Andy Farrell said it was "unbelievably fitting" that "the greatest player to play for Ireland", Johnny Sexton, ended his Six Nations career by captaining the Irish to the Grand Slam.
Six Nations 2023 team-by-team review: Ireland dominate as Wales hit low ebb
A James Ryan knock-on away from the perfect tournament. Five wins, each by a margin of 10 points or more, demonstrates just how dominant Andy Farrell’s side have been. Immediately after victory over England cemented their fourth ever grand slam – and first to be won at home – they were looking towards the World Cup with confidence, embracing the expectation that has traditionally laid heavy. This is not a criticism but there is something brutally mechanical about Ireland. A system working with maximum efficiency, no wastage, with everything and everyone in unison. There is strength in depth too – burnished on the five-game tour of New Zealand last summer – and though their route is daunting they have every right to head to the World Cup final as favourites. But, while it is a truism, they will need a slice of luck with Johnny Sexton’s fitness if they are to become only the second side from the northern hemisphere to be crowned world champions.
Mack Hansen hails Andy Farrell’s motivational skills as Ireland win Grand Slam
Mack Hansen believes the motivational skills of Andy Farrell are unrivalled and sensed Ireland’s stunning Grand Slam success was on the cards as soon as he entered the international scene.
Andy Farrell’s side have claim to be Ireland’s greatest ever – Tommy Bowe
Former Test star Tommy Bowe believes Andy Farrell’s Grand Slam champions are on a “whole different level” to previous Ireland teams and could already claim to be the country’s greatest ever.
Johnny Sexton wants to bow out with World Cup glory for Ireland
Johnny Sexton hopes the childhood dream of captaining Ireland to Grand Slam glory in Dublin does not prove to be the pinnacle of his career as he turns his attention to a crack at becoming a world champion.