Six Nations: Andy Farrell says Ireland in good shape but ‘nowhere near’ where they want to be | Rugby Union News

Ireland beat England in the final match of the Six Nations to win the Grand Slam in Dublin for the first time; Ireland are on a 10-game winning streak, which includes a series win over New Zealand and victories over world champions South Africa and Australia

Andy Farrell insists Ireland’s game is “not where it’s at” where it wants to be as he strives for the driving standards behind his Grand Slam success.

The world No. 1 team lived up to pre-tournament expectations by taking control of the Six Nations title with a stunning clean sweep, which was sealed with Saturday’s 29-16 win over England in Dublin.

Ireland never conceded more than six points during the championship and combined grit and guile to produce free-flowing rugby amid the injury woes.

Head coach Farrell was pleased with the control his squad showed during the competition, but is looking to make improvements heading into the autumn World Cup in France.

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Sky Sports News’ James Cole analyzes Ireland’s historic Six Nations Grand Slam victory and the key questions facing England ahead of the World Cup.

“What’s most exciting is that we’re not a team that just kicks the skin off the ball and continues into territory,” he said.

“We are a team that likes to play rugby, and territory and possession are quite important to us and we still find ways to generate good field positions and dominate large parts of the game.

“And it’s great, isn’t it, to have that mix and put it on the field and believe it?

“So our game is good, but it’s not where we want it to be, so it’s a good place to be.”

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell with the Six Nations trophy

Farrell has welcomed setbacks to challenge players and continue to champion the no-excuses mentality.

Hooker Dan Sheehan epitomized that mindset by battling back from injury he suffered in the round-four win over Scotland to start and score two of Ireland’s four tries against England.

Center Robbie Henshaw was also on the scoresheet in the victory over Steve Borthwick, who has been in danger of missing the entire campaign after wrist surgery.

Prop Tadhg Furlong and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Parks are also absent for large parts through injury, while Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson and Garry Ringrose are among those sidelined on the road to the title.

“There is no murmur of reason,” said Farrell. “We said from day one that we want to win the Grand Slam and we did it as a squad.

“It’s never perfect but the game isn’t like that, so the mental strength of the game and a big part of our game is in a good place.

“But as I said, there is a long way for us to be the best which is a good sign.”

Sky Sports News’ James Cole looks back at the 2023 Six Nations, assessing the playing conditions of each team ahead of the World Cup in France later this year…

Johnny Sexton became the leading points scorer in Six Nations history

Ireland they are, quite simply, head and shoulders above the rest of the Six Nations this year.

The Grand Slam was a fitting end to a fantastic campaign – and, indeed, a fantastic 12 months. They have now won 10 Tests in a row, which includes a historic series win in New Zealand.

Jonny Sexton is looking better with age and may be having second thoughts about his decision to retire after the World Cup.

The back three have all taken their game to another level – James Lowe, Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan are now a lethal combination. He also has a lot of power in the squad to call upon.

And for head coach Andy Farrell, he’s created an environment where players can express themselves and thrive.

Hansen said as much this weekend, suggesting Farrell’s motivational skills are unrivaled.

The RFU must be wondering why they let Farrell go in 2016.