Ireland boss Andy Farrell in no mood to engage with Eddie Jones’ mind games

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell regards attempted mind games from England counterpart Eddie Jones as unnecessary but admits to finding them entertaining.

Jones has sought to gain the upper hand going into Saturday’s crunch Guinness Six Nations clash by declaring the Irish “red-hot favourites” and the most cohesive team in the world.

Farrell worked under Jones at Saracens during his playing career before later being dismissed from his position in England’s backroom staff shortly after the Australian was appointed to his current role in 2015.

While the Englishman retains a healthy respect for his well-travelled weekend rival, he has no desire to become embroiled in what he regards as a needless pre-match battle of wits.

“I don’t know what it is. I don’t care, to be fair,” replied Farrell when asked about the intent behind Jones’ remarks and his reluctance to engage.

“I love Eddie’s comments, I love reading them. I think it’s great for the game and I love his character, his charisma. I’ve learnt a lot off him.

“As you know, I’ve worked under him, I’ve been the captain of the side for him and I like being in his company.

“But, in answer to your question, I don’t see the need (to engage with it). I don’t get it sometimes.

“But I like reading it, I think it’s intriguing.”

Farrell was defeated on his two previous Twickenham trips as Ireland boss, both in 2020.

However, he masterminded a 32-18 Dublin victory at the end of last year’s championship to condemn England to a fifth-placed finish – their worst performance in the history of the Six Nations.

A repeat of that result this weekend would see Farrell’s men retain hope of championship glory going into the final round, while eliminating England from title contention and