Andy Farrell says a win over Scotland to secure the Triple Crown would still be “pretty special”, even if Ireland miss out on the Six Nations title.
Both sides still entertain hopes of winning the title, with Ireland trailing the Scots and table-topping France, who host out-of-form England, by two points going into the final round of matches.
Farrell is anticipating quite a contest as they battle it out, at least, for the Triple Crown – a prize awarded to one of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales if they defeat the other three in a single championship season.
“Dreaming big for something bigger? Of course, you would love to dream like that,” said Farrell of regaining the Six Nations title they won in 2024.
“Obviously, the rest of it is out of our hands, but there’s something that’s in our hands.
“Win something that’s pretty special to us, that’s the Triple Crown.
“Over the years historically, it’s been hard to come by when you’re playing for Ireland, so we’re desperate to make sure that we get across that.”
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Farrell, who is seeking as Ireland coach his fourth Triple Crown, was speaking on Thursday after naming his team.
He recalled stalwarts Dan Sheehan and Josh van der Flier, while Irish rugby icon Bundee Aki returns and is on the bench after he was suspended for the first three games.
There is also a return for wing Tommy O’Brien, who was rested for the Wales game after an impressive turn in the 42-21 humbling of England.
He replaces Jacob Stockdale, despite the latter scoring a try and creating another against the Welsh.
O’Brien combined brilliantly with the other wing Robert Baloucoune against England.
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“He [O’Brien] is a type of player that attacks the game and that’s the only way he knows, and he certainly did that against England, so he deserves his chance this weekend,” said Farrell.
“But also Jacob Stockdale could be proud of what he’s done over the Six Nations, as far as proving to himself and to us and to everyone else that he’s back at this level.”
Farrell said 35-year-old Aki, who has been training with them since the lead-up to the Wales game, was raring to go.
“He’s in great form,” said Farrell. “He’s one of those players, as you all know, who makes the dressing room feel right and he’s certainly done that over the last two weeks.”
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The Scots will arrive with a spring in their step after the astonishing 50-40 win over France last Saturday.
Scotland wing Darcy Graham is so emboldened he even suggested Ireland “were there for the taking” as they are not the force of old.
Farrell contented himself with saying Graham was a “great lad” and “entitled to his opinion”.
However, the Irish have won their last 11 meetings and Scotland’s last win in Dublin came back in 2010 prior to Ireland’s return to the renovated Lansdowne Road.
“We know about the challenge facing us on Saturday and Scotland will travel with confidence,” said Farrell.
“When you factor in a loud home support, and with the game taking place on St Patrick’s weekend, it really has all the ingredients for a cracking contest.”
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– AFP
Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
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