Andy Farrell demands response after Ireland ‘soul-searching’

By Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union Correspondent

Andy Farrell insists Ireland are ready make amends following some frank conversations and “soul-searching” in the wake of their chastening Guinness Six Nations defeat to France.

The head coach accused his players of lacking intent during a one-sided championship opener in Paris, which further fuelled talk of Ireland being a team in decline.

Farrell has responded by making six personnel changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s round-two clash with Italy in Dublin.

Asked about the inquest into the 36-14 loss at Stade de France, Farrell replied: “A lot of it will stay with us because a lot of it is private enough.

“But as you can imagine, because of the good people we’ve got in the environment, there was a lot of honesty and a bit of soul-searching for reasons why.

“We’ve addressed all that and got back on the horse, put the boots back on and had a couple of training sessions and got to the business end of the week now and we’re ready to put a performance on that we should be proud of.

“To get back on the horse and put that right is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”

Ireland won back-to-back Six Nations in 2023 and 2024 before surrendering the title to France last year.

Their poor performance in the French capital prompted more concerns about the current state of the squad moving towards next year’s World Cup.

“(I’m) very happy because nobody was holding back so there’s a lot of honesty there, there’s no excuses,” replied Farrell when asked about this week’s preparations.

“We tried to get back to simplifying things down and understanding what it is that we’re trying to stand for as a team.

“It’s how we bounce back and move on from that because these experiences are going to continue to happen down the track and I believe with the squad and the wider squad, we’ve got those type of occasions will stand to us.”

Ulster pair Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu will make Six Nations debuts against the Azzurri.

Right winger Baloucoune is set for his first international appearance since 2022, while Izuchukwu has been selected at blindside flanker after recovering from a toe injury.

“Rob, the sheer pace that he’s got excites everyone,” said Farrell.

“It’s been a bit stop-start for him. He just needs an opportunity like this to try and do it on the big stage again.

“And Izzy, he’s someone that we’ve earmarked for quite some time now.

“We thought last week was a little bit of a step too far. But another nine days under the belt and he’ll be ready to rip in against Italy.”

Scrum-half Craig Casey, left winger James Lowe, lock James Ryan and number eight Jack Conan also come into the team.

Munster second-row Edwin Edogbo is poised to win a first Test cap from the bench.

“It’s potential at this moment in time,” Farrell said of 23-year-old Edogbo.

“This type of opportunity is going to be what he needs to kick on with his game, so we’re excited about that.”