Andy Farrell: Ireland feeling ready for Springboks Test

Head coach Andy Farrell says his Ireland squad are now “more up to speed” as they prepare to face the Springboks this Saturday in Dublin.

After a sluggish start to their camp with a 13-26 defeat to the All Blacks, the team bounced back with victories over Japan and Australia—Farrell believes the team’s cohesion is improving.

Farrell reflected on the early stages of this week’s training and said: “If you didn’t think that was going to be the case, you’re doing something wrong.”

He acknowledged that playing a top team like South Africa requires sharpness and execution: “If you’re not up to speed… they’ll smell a sign of weakness.”

The Springboks have not won in Dublin since 2012 and arrive in strong form with multiple recent wins.

While Ireland’s 46-19 victory over Australia was a statement result, Farrell emphasised that facing the world-class Springboks demands everything: from speed and fitness to accuracy and discipline.

"Now, I think we’re more up to speed with international rugby, the pressures of it, the accuracy of it, and the speed of it and the fitness levels, but you’ve still got to turn up and apply all that and take your game forward to an outstanding team."