‘Certainly closer than that’ Ireland scoreline flattered New Zealand says Farrell

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell has suggested that his side’s defeat to the All Blacks flattered the hosts.

Last Saturday, the All Blacks won 40-21 at Eden Park in a game where they dominated Andy Farrell’s side throughout, bursting to a 28-7 lead at halftime, putting the game beyond doubt.

And now Ireland are under the microscope as over the past year they’ve now lost twice to New Zealand, as well as losing convincingly to France and South Africa while beating everyone else to firmly place themselves as the fourth best team in the world.

However, speaking to the media after the defeat, Andy Farrell felt the 19-point margin of victory flattered New Zealand.

‘I don’t think so, I think the two sides are certainly closer than that,’ Farrell said when asked if the scoreline was a fair reflection.

‘We’re disappointed with ourselves. We’re full of pride because of the fight, et cetera. But we’re disappointed with how it unfolded, the inaccuracies of a few parts of our game.’

Farrell went on to explain that it was Ireland’s own fault for giving New Zealand such a platform to score, highlighting the unforced mistakes and ill discipline.

‘The flow of our game is not flowing for many different reasons, whether that be penalties conceded or uncharacteristic poor passing, whether it be [passes] into touch or intercept passing or whatever.

‘We got a little bit too desperate at times. Also, our decision-making of when to go early when we created stuff through our carry.’

He continued: ‘It’s making sure that we make good decisions, if you look back on it, some of our best ballplayers (didn’t). That’s why I say ‘uncharacteristic’ really because it’s something you don’t see on a daily basis or on a weekend either.

‘But that’s what big matches do to you and that’s a lesson that’s got to be learned, that’s for sure. These lads have not got it in them to give it up after a poor enough start, especially when things are not going our way.

With all those mistakes of Ireland’s doing, Farrell believes that Ireland still put in a decent performance, winning the second half 14-12.

‘So, even if the flow of our game never really got going, but how we stuck at it and kept on fighting is there for everyone.

‘We saw that in Australia, and we got a great win on the back of that, but against the quality of opposition you’re playing here, you’re going to come off on the wrong side of the result.

‘We’ve got to use it in the right manner for what’s happening in the next 15 months.’

Ireland’s Nations Championship continues this November when they face Argentina, Fiji and South Africa before the Finals weekend in London at the end of that month. With only the Six Nations to follow, there are only around 10 matches until the start of the tournament in Australia.