Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is relishing facing his former mentor Joe Schmidt when they host the Wallabies at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.
Farrell served as an assistant coach for Schmidt in the Ireland set-up as the New Zealander sparked a rise of rugby in the country which the Englishman has emphatically continued.
Lions not on the mind
The success of Farrell in the Ireland set-up has earned him the privilege of coaching the British & Lions Tour to Schmidt’s Wallabies next year. The coach will take a sabbatical from coaching Ireland to allow the switch and he believes it has not been on the squad’s mind this week.
“It’s not been a distraction for me or the squad. The only thing that matters is this week,” Farrell said.
“But I won’t be shying away from it this weekend. We’ll use everything we’ve got. So will they. It’s an exciting last game of the year for everyone.”
Year of growth
For the Wallabies, it has been a tough year but one loaded with growth as Schmidt has attempted to pick up the piece left by Eddie Jones. The impact of the New Zealander was evident with their win over England at Twickenham, although Scotland firmly brought about a reality check the week later.
Farrell still sees a team on the rise in the Wallabies making for a great contest.
“I think it’s progressing exactly how we thought it would do,” said Farrell, when asked how he felt Schmidt was crafting the Wallabies.
“By playing a good few players, he took a little bit of pain, but he’s done the right thing for the squad. They’re reaping their reward for that now, he’s got them playing really good rugby.”
Meanwhile, retired legend Johnny Sexton believes Schmidt will get a hero welcome at the Aviva as he expects the fans to respect what the coach has done for rugby in the country.
“I think he’ll get an amazing reception when he walks into the Aviva and I think the Irish crowd will acknowledge him for all the things he achieved,” Sexton told the BBC.
READ MORE: World Rugby Dream XV: Springboks dominate as All Blacks star is overlooked