Andy Farrell does not care a lot whether or not his Ireland side are favourites to beat England on Saturday, and even less about whatever Eddie Jones has had to say about it this week. Farrell, who knows Jones well from the days when they were both at Saracens, is not the sort to get sucked into that sort of back-and-forth before a game. “It doesn’t bother me whatsoever. I don’t see what it does for or against. I also know that Eddie has said plenty of times in the past that praise makes you weak. So we’ll make sure we just take care of our own house.”
If Farrell thought twice about Jones’s remarks talking up Ireland, it was only to wonder why he bothered making them. “I love Eddie’s comments, I love reading them, I think it’s great for the game. I love his character, and his charisma. And I’ve learned a lot off him, I’ve been a captain of one of his sides, I’ve worked under him, and I enjoy his company.
But in answer to your question, I don’t see the need for it, no. I don’t get it. But I like reading it. I think it’s intriguing.” Asked whether he felt those kinds of mind games ever have any effect, he said: “Not at this level, no.”
Of course all Jones’s talk may be more for his own players’ sake. They will need to play better than they have yet in the tournament if they’re going to win this one. If Farrell’s team has been weakened by a couple of untimely injuries in the front row, where he has lost both Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher, they are still a formidable side. Farrell made six changes from the team that beat Italy. Johnny Sexton is back at fly-half, and so is James Ryan at lock, while Cian Healey replaces Porter at prop. Bundee Aki starts at inside-centre, with Robbie Henshaw on the bench, Andrew Conway is on the wing instead of Mack Hansen, and Hugo Keenan is at full-back.
England F Steward, M Malins, J Marchant, H Slade, J Nowell, M Smith, H Randall; E Genge, J George, K Sinckler, M Itoje, C Ewels, C Lawes (capt), T Curry, S Simmonds.
Replacements: J Blamire, J Marler, W Stuart, J Launchbury, A Dombrandt, B Youngs, G Ford, E Daly.
Ireland H Keenan, A Conway, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe, J Sexton (c), J Gibson-Park; C Healy, D Sheehan, T Furlong, T Beirne, J Ryan, P O'Mahony, J Van Der Flier, C Doris.
Replacements: R Herring, D Kilcoyne, F Bealham, I Henderson, J Conan, C Murray, J Carbery, R Henshaw.
Twickenham, Saturday 4.45pm (GMT). Referee: Mathieu Reynal
As interesting as any of the changes is Farrell’s decision to stick with Peter O’Mahony on the flank, with Caelan Doris at No 8 and Jack Conan on the bench. “Pete’s in good form,” Farrell said, “he’s a good emotional leader for us, and leadership is a big part of every team performance. Obviously we know what he brings at the set piece and at the breakdown, but the rest of his game has come on an absolute treat too. His attack has really stepped up. He played really well against Italy, so did Jack coming off the bench, so we feel that’s the right balance for this week.”
Farrell clearly has Ireland’s defeat to France in the second round in the back of his mind. He spoke about how important it will be for the team to make sure they don’t lose the run of themselves in the heat of the Test. Against France they were 10-0 down inside 10 minutes. He suggested that they had allowed their emotions to take control, when they should have stayed in the moment and stuck with their plan. “We’ve learned some lessons in that regard, and not too long ago,” Farrell said, “so we’re looking to make sure we get better in that area.” O’Mahony’s there to help them do that.
Georgia have officially qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup as a result of World Rugby's decision to suspend Russia and Belarus from all cross-border competition.
That decision was announced on 1 March, but a tournament board meeting on Thursday confirmed that Russia's remaining qualifiers would be scrapped with Georgia, Netherlands and Portugal awarded four points as the nominal winners.
That means Georgia, who were firmly on course to qualify regardless, are now assured of a top-two finish in the qualification standings. They are almost certain to finish top and join Wales, Australia and Fiji in Pool C, with Spain, Portugal and Romania in contention for second place.
“The next step for the team is to go to places like this and be at our best,” Farrell said. “We know England are going to come at us and cause us problems. But we’re confident in our own ability too. We know we’re a good side, we need to make sure that we’re able to be at our best in what is going to be a fantastic occasion. There’s going to be thousands of Irish at Twickenham as well and we want to hear them sing through our performance as well.”
