There was scarcely a whiff of atmosphere when New Zealand beat Ireland in Dublin last year. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Well then, if nothing else, this should be very, very interesting, and revealing too. After his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Andy Farrell is back in his day job in earnest this week. New Zealand to be followed by Japan, Australia and South Africa: all things considered, it looks like Farrell’s most challenging international window since the dark days of the pandemic and the 2021 Six Nations.
Back then, Ireland lost their opening two games away to Wales and at home to France before responding with wins over Italy, Scotland and England. A corner was turned and Farrell’s reign had lift off.
Four years ago this very week, which was also two years out from the World Cup, Farrell told his players – and publicly declared – that the countdown to France 2023 began in earnest with that upcoming November s
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