Andy Farrell has strongly backed James Ryan’s decision to kick for the posts late in the second half, following their 30-24 loss to France in Paris.
At 27-21, and with nine minutes left on the clock, James Ryan’s decision was to kick for the posts (which was successfully landed by Joey Carbery) rather than to go for the corner in search of a ‘potentially’ match-winning try.
“It’s all ifs, buts and maybes and the players have great feel on the field and in reality, we got three points and there’s plenty of time in the way that we were playing,” Farrell told BBC-NI.
“Remember that we had another opportunity from a lineout close to the end there [that we missed], so you can judge everything individually differently.”
James Ryan’s decision backed by Farrell
France led from the second minute and at one point were 15 points ahead, after an Ireland penalty-filled first half.
Two tries in five minutes in a second-half spell from Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park brought Ireland back into the game. While not a victory, there were positives to take away for the Ireland Rugby 6 Nations ongoing campaign.
“I was unbelievably pleased with the character, fight and the want from the players, certainly in that second half,” Farrell continued.
“I’m sure that if we continue to show the fight and character that we have done here (in Paris), which was an unbelievable Test match, we’ll be in the mix towards the end of it.”
France now firm favourites in 6 Nations race
France are the only side left in this year’s Six Nations with a 100% winning record, with Farrell claiming they are now the front runners.
“History shows you that you’ve got to be ready in the Six Nations,” he said.”You’ve got to make sure that your own house is in order in regards to your next game and if you look at the competition with Wales winning against Scotland, England losing their first game and so, yes, France are in pole position.”
Farrell has already turned his attention to the next round in two weeks – with Ireland traveling to Rome to play Italy. Focusing to not dwell on James Ryan’s decision.”We move into our next game and try our best to be at our best and take each game from there.”
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