Andy Farrell happy with raised standards to kick off ‘tough’ November

Facing into another three games of what he described as “a tough old month” in the wake of Friday’s 42-12 win over Argentina, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is unlikely to risk any of his walking wounded for next Saturday’s meeting with Fiji.

There may well be a medical update from the Irish camp on Monday after Sean Jansen, Josh van der Flier, Mack Hansen and Robert Baloucoune all sustained injuries against the Pumas. Farrell will also contemplate further rotation, with back-to-back world champions South Africa coming down the track. The Springboks showed their form in retaining the top spot of the Nations Championship southern hemisphere group with a predictably ruthless 66-7 win over an injury-ravaged Italy in Turin on Saturday.