Andy Farrell dismisses predictions of Ireland canter in Cardiff as fake news – Irish Mirror

Andy Farrell has dismissed as fake news the queue of former Ireland internationals and pundits lining up to rubbish Wales' chances on Sunday.

Wales' difficulties under new boss Wayne Pivac saw them only beat Italy and Georgia in 2020 - in a year when they also lost twice to Ireland.

Both games were at the Aviva Stadium, however, and Ireland head coach Farrell is keen to talk up the Welsh threat ahead of the Principality Stadium clash in Cardiff.

Reacting to the confident words of the likes of Stephen Ferris and Donal Lenihan, Farrell said: "That's the way of the world, we are realistic that's what happens.

"I think between the two camps we know the truth. We know it is going to be a war of attrition at the weekend.

"We haven't won in Cardiff since 2013, which says a lot. We are expecting Wales to be 100% at their best.

"We have played them at their best before and come unstuck so we have prepared accordingly.

"Listen, it doesn't really matter what goes on in the papers or the news in the coming days, the game will still be the same.

"Both teams will try and get in the ascendancy and a foothold in the game.

"Physically, set piece...once the whistle goes the game is just the same. We expect a tough old battle."

So the claim that the Welsh are past it in this post-Warren Gatland era?

I dont believe that for one second," declared Farrell. "Our boys are very familiar with everyone on the Welsh squad because they play against them all the time.

"Some are good friends and we know what top performers they can be when they come under pressure. This is the start of a new competition and theyll want to right some wrongs.

Theyre an experienced side that has been in good positions before and difficult positions before.

"I suppose the slate is wiped clean at the start of a competition and this is a huge game for both teams."

Farrell has made four changes from the side that beat Scotland in Ireland's final Autumn Nations Cup clash in December.

James Lowe, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose all return after injury, with Lowe, who hasn't played since suffering a groin injury in November, the most surprising call.

Not really, not in our eyes," Farrell said. "Hes a great player thats right for this game.

"Hes been in great form. Its been seamless him getting back into action like most of the other lads.

"In his position, Jordan (Larmour) hasnt played much games either. Andrew Conway in the same boat.

"Theyve all come in fit and raring to go and up to speed on where we need to be.

"When you select a side obviously first and foremost you want the right balance for the side and I think you can agree its a strong team, a strong 23 and one thats raring to go at the start of a new competition."

There are plenty of Irish players like Lowe who have had very little in the way of top-level competition over the last few weeks.

Most teams are in that predicament as well," said Farrell.

"We asked the boys to make sure at the end of the autumn that, come the Six Nations, they were fit and healthy and raring to go and to perform at the top level, whats needed to compete with the best of the Six Nations.

"And we like what we have seen from all of the squad, really."

Reacting to the Josh Adams controversy after the dangerous winger breached Welsh Covid protocols by attending a family event last weekend, Farrell said he had no worries about the rest of the home side being healthy.

"All teams are getting tested twice a week, I suppose you can't get more stringent than that," he said.

"It is something that we spoke about when we first came into camp and it is something we have spoken about since because obviously we want to make sure that does not happen in our group.

"Everyone is keeping a stringent eye on protocols and it is something we are doing pretty well and did do pretty well during the autumn."

Wales, as expected, have gone with George North at no 13 in the absence of Jonathan Davies, record-breaking caps holder and skipper Alun Wyn Jones returns to the line-up and veteran Dan Lydiate has returned to a vastly experienced back row.

"It was expressed in the press so we were aware of it anyway," Farrell remarked.

"George North at 13 is something they have done before and Alun Wyn comes straight back into the side, I am sure he will add an advantage there to the feeling of the group.

"Lydiate coming back in will add new energy to the group. We expect them to be strong anyway but that side is a strong one."

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Andy Farrell dismisses predictions of Ireland canter in Cardiff as fake news - Irish Mirror