Autumn series will greatly aid Ireland in World Cup preparation - Andy Farrell

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell believes the upcoming autumn internationals will aid in their preparation for the Rugby World Cup next year.

Ireland's campaign will kick-start with a clash against South Africa at Aviva Stadium on Saturday followed by clashes against Fiji and Australia on 12th and 19th November respectively.

"From my mind, looking forward, playing South Africa, who we’ve not played for five years, and Fiji, a completely different style of rugby, and Australia, who we’ve not played in such a long time, it actually couldn’t get any better as far as experiences are concerned for us.

"Because what we’re going to experience in a year’s time, that’s what we’re going to meet, different styles week-in, week-out.

"You’ve got to be able to adapt, adjust and understand it and be at your best on the back of it. That’s why this Autumn is fantastic for us."

Ireland also had a fabulous year after finishing second in the Six Nations followed by a first-ever series victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand that has seen them climb to the top position in the World Rugby Rankings.

Speaking about the tour of New Zealand, Farrell said the experience of playing the All Blacks greatly boosted the confidence of the squad.

"The New Zealand tour was special in its own right, just because of the experience. Even if we had lost 5-0 on that tour, it still would have been great for us because of the experience for that group and what they faced, different cultures, different styles of players."