CONFIRMATION OF ANDY Farrell’s re-appointment as the Lions’ defence coach for next summer brings with it confirmation that Ireland will travel to the US and Japan next June without their defensive specialist.
Joe Schmidt’s squad take on the Eagles on US soil next summer, before two Tests against the Brave Blossoms in Japan.
The absence of Farrell opens up the prospect of Schmidt adding a new coach to his set-up to cover the defensive duties.
Schmidt controlled Ireland’s attack and defence during this year’s Six Nations, with Farrell’s official appointment having been delayed by the need to serve a period of ‘gardening leave’ after his departure from England following the 2015 World Cup.
The Ireland head coach later admitted that the dual roles had perhaps stretched him a little in terms of the sheer amount of analysis and preparation required.
With that in mind, Schmidt may be tempted to give another coach responsibility for the defensive side of the game.
Current assistant coach Simon Easterby, who focuses on the forwards, has experience as a defence coach, while skills specialist Richie Murphy is another in-house candidate.
There is also the prospect of bringing in a defence coach from one of the provinces, with Jacques Nienaber having made a big impression since arriving at Munster at the start of the season.
When asked if he would like to see someone appointed as interim defence coach in his absence, Farrell – who will still be in place during the upcoming Six Nations – said any such decision is entirely in Schmidt’s hands.
“You are asking the wrong person there,” said Farrell. “I’m not in charge of that. It is not my defence! It isn’t. Joe is the boss and he’ll do what he sees fit.”
Farrell is confident that Schmidt and the other current Ireland coaches have a strong understanding of his defensive philosophy and systems.
As such, it is entirely possible that Schmidt will look to resource those coaching duties from within his existing staff.
“What we do very well at Ireland is we all understand all the systems and structures, so we’re always on the same page,” said Farrell.
It has to be for continuity of message with the players. The guys know… Simon and Feeky and Richie and Joe know exactly how we defend. We’re all on the same page and vice versa on all different aspects of the game as well.”
While the Lions duties will dominate Farrell’s thoughts after the Six Nations, he said continuing his role with Ireland over the coming months will be straightforward.
In fact, Farrell sees it as the best possible preparation for touring with the Lions.
“Full steam ahead,” said Farrell. “Everyone is asking, but there is no better way than getting stuck into your day job, analysing the opposition you are going to be playing against and feeling what it is like in the heat of battle.
“That is fantastic preparation for anything.”
Farrell has helped Ireland to several landmark wins in recent months, beginning with a first-ever win against the Springboks on South African soil, taking in an historic first success over the All Blacks and ending with victory against the Wallabies in Dublin.
However, the Ireland assistant stresses that what lies ahead is even more important in terms of the Lions.
“It was a pretty special year, wasn’t it?” said Farrell. “South Africa, three Tests there, and then two Tests against the All Blacks, and Australia and Canada. Tough old challenge, but one of unbelievable excitement.
It’s pretty similar to what’s coming up in the next few months. I think the Six Nations is going to be as hotly contested as it ever has been. There will be twists and turns with that, especially with the Lions selection at the end of it.
“There’s that and then there’s the end to the Pro12 and Premiership season, and European Cups. Then there’s a Lions tour at the end of it. There’s a hell of a six months coming up.
“That preparation is probably more important that what’s gone on in the last six months.”
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