Overview
- Eddie Jones praised Andy Farrell’s record and temperament, saying he expects the Ireland coach to handle the next phase of team evolution.
- Jones said Ireland are in a “difficult little period” and urged patience as younger players settle into leadership and decision-making roles.
- Targeting tactics, he argued Ireland’s multi-phase attack has become less potent as rivals adapt, noting a looser style and a dip in the kicking game since Johnny Sexton’s retirement.
- He pointed to retirements of senior figures including Sexton and Peter O’Mahony as factors behind recent results and referenced Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast as emerging options at fly-half.
- Jones’ comments come before Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, with Ireland off a 26-13 loss to New Zealand and Japan rebounding from a 61-7 defeat by South Africa; he also reiterated his provocative line that Farrell could “end up getting sacked” for a freer approach.