Andy Farrell wants Ireland to be at their best against Australia

Head coach Andy Farrell believes Ireland must produce their best performance of the autumn against Australia in order for him to go into his British and Irish Lions sabbatical on a high.

The Englishman is due to temporarily depart his regular role following next weekend’s November finale in Dublin as he prepares to lead the 2025 Lions tour against the Wallabies.

Ireland dispatched Fiji 52-17 on Saturday after beginning this month with a sobering 23-13 defeat by New Zealand and a stuttering 22-19 success over Argentina.

Leading the Lions into a new era…

Your #Lions2025 Head Coach: Andy Farrell.#Howden @CanterburyNZ

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 11, 2024

Australia’s upcoming visit, which will bring former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt back to the Aviva Stadium, has been arranged as part of celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Ireland’s inaugural international match.

“As you would expect me to say, the best is yet to come – it has to be,” said Farrell.

“We’re playing against a buoyant Australian side that play some really nice rugby.

“But the week’s going to be a special one for us. It’s going to be a marked game for the 150th anniversary.

“We talk a lot about the shirt and what it means for us. It’s going to be a big week coming up.”

Having left his coaching position with England in 2015, Farrell relaunched his career as assistant to Schmidt before succeeding him as Ireland boss following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealander Schmidt has already led Australia to victories over England and Wales this month after replacing Eddie Jones in January.

“He’s been very quiet actually,” replied Farrell when asked if he has been in contact with his former boss.

“He’s been busy though. I’m sure when he lands